If you’re a savvy Class C shopper, you likely have some questions that go beyond a model’s good looks. In fact, you’re probably already thinking about the road — not just scenery but the logistics. (Smart move!) And if that’s you, I imagine you want to know what’s the most fuel-efficient Class C on the market? And, because comparison is illuminating, is there a big difference in fuel mileage from one model to the next?
So, allow us to oblige. We have a list of the most fuel-efficient Class C motorhomes — all primed to give owners a nice return in fuel economy. But first, let’s take a short detour to define what that actually looks like.
Defining Good Gas Mileage for a Class C
So, let’s set a few things straight. First, if you’re buying a new passenger vehicle, a car or SUV, you will likely see a window sticker that shows the estimated fuel mileage of that vehicle. This is a mandate from the federal government. All passenger vehicles under 8,500 pounds GVW are tested in a similar manner. However, you should know that heavier vehicles, like trucks and Class C motorhomes, are not tested in this manner.
But, survey the Class C community forums (like we have), and you’ll find that a some of the most fuel-efficient diesel Class C models can get up to 17 to 18 miles per gallon. A gas-powered model, however, might not break the 10 mile per gallon mark. (Which is another answer for you — diesel models are more fuel efficient than gas models.) So, if you’re looking for the most fuel-efficient Class C, odds are that diesel is the way to go.
Class C motorhomes are built from one of, essentially, three chassis providers: Ford, Mercedes-Benz, and Ram. Every Class C starts with the chassis. From there the RV company builds the actual camper onto the backs of these chassis. So, from a fuel economy perspective, that’s your biggest factor to consider. And, just saying this out front, the only company that makes a diesel Class C chassis is Mercedes-Benz with their Sprinter offering. This is the place to look if you’re strictly going for the best fuel economy you can get.
First Place: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Models
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter cutaway chassis.
One of the reasons people like the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis is that company’s turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder diesel engine. This driveline extracts some of the best mileage out of a drop of fuel yet still provides competent power and drivability. In addition, an RV builder can specify from a long list of safety and comfort options available on the Sprinter chassis. Also, some owners of Class Cs with this engine have reported getting in the upper teens in fuel economy if they have a light foot. (That’s not horrible.)
So, here are a few of the most fuel-efficient Class C models available on the Sprinter chassis.
Thor Motor Coach Chateau
Thor Motor Coach Chateau
Using the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis the Chateau is one of the smaller Class C offerings from Thor, the largest builder of motorized RVs. With a base MSRP of $181,860 the Chateau is also one of the more affordably priced Class C motorhomes based on the Sprinter chassis.
Winnebago View and Navion
Winnebago Navion.
With the View and Navion models, Winnebago has found a strong following. The exterior of these coaches is relatively smooth with a nod toward aerodynamics with a more angled upper structure and smooth transition between the cab of the rig and the body of the motorhome. This shape could slightly improve fuel economy by providing a bit less wind resistance.
Tiffin Wayfarer
Tiffin’s Wayfarer is another Class C based on the Sprinter chassis and features a smooth exterior shape. The nose this motorhome sits almost even with the top of the air conditioner, which could help a bit in aerodynamics as well. The Tiffin brand has earned a good reputation in the industry over the years. (Another plus.)
Airstream Atlas
Airstream Atlas.
It may be a surprise to some that Airstream makes a Class C, but theAirstream Atlas is just that. An RV builder can specify the configuration of the Mercedes-Benz chassis to be more industrial or more luxurious. There are also a number of optional safety and technological features available to an RV builder from Mercedes-Benz — know that your $326,400 does include every safety and technology option offered.
Leisure Travel Vans Unity
Leisure Travel Vans offers their Class C motorhomes with the option of utilizing Ford’s Transit chassis as the Wonder or the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis as the Unity. The Unity offers the benefit of the more fuel-efficient Sprinter chassis. (But also, be aware that the base MSRP on these models is $14,000 different. While there are some material differences between them, $14,000 would buy over 4,000 gallons of fuel at today’s average price.)
In fact, a little math can be elucidating. Consider that you might average up to five miles per gallon more on a diesel model. That means you’d have to travel at least 20,000 miles to make-up that difference. Then you add the higher maintenance costs of the Sprinter, and you can see why many owners choose the gas-powered model.
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Second Place: Ram ProMaster Models
In second place is the Ram ProMaster chassis, which uses the Pentastar gasoline V6. The Ram ProMaster has become far less popular as a conversion only because the 3.6-liter, gasoline V6 and front-wheel-drive limit the size of the RV you can build with this chassis. This chassis is unusual in that it’s front-wheel drive. That means there are not driveline components under the back of the chassis which enables an RV builder to potentially build a smaller box while achieving comparable interior living space.
Wingamm Oasi 540.1
Wingamm Oasi 540.1
If fuel mileage is truly a priority, Italian RV builder Wingamm is now importing their small Class C motorhomes to the US in the form of theWingamm Oasi 540.1. The ProMaster chassis has its roots in Italy as the Fiat Ducati, and the Oasis 540.1 brings the whole unit from Italy. These are relatively small RVs which is why they would get surprising fuel mileage, for a gas-powered rig, but they are smaller than what some Americans might be used to.
The RV portion of the RV uses a fiberglass build much like a Casita. The primary bed in this rig drops-down from over the cab of the motorhome. While this is technically a Class C, since there’s a bed over the bunk, it is more sized like a B-Plus. But, for those who want something compact with good gasoline mileage that is more affordable, this might be a good choice.
Third Place: Ford Transit Models
While not truly a mileage champion, Ford’s Transit chassis still returns fair mileage while offering very good drivability. The fact that it’s a Ford and that parts may be readily available even in many small towns is a big plus if you need maintenance on the road.
A Few Final Tips to Get Better Fuel Mileage
Keeping Two Factors in Mind
There are two major factors that affect fuel mileage in any vehicle, but particularly an RV: speed and weight. If you look at a modern passenger car, you’ll notice that the overall shape of the car is the same no matter who built the car. While there are differences in styling elements, the basic shape is very similar for a reason: cheating the wind.
Above about 30-35 miles per hour a lot of energy (fuel) is being used to overcome wind resistance. You’ll notice this as you’re driving. If there is a strong headwind, your fuel mileage drops considerably. But think that you’re pushing a big box through the wind at highway speeds, and it takes a lot of energy to overcome that wind resistance.
While we would never recommend this, for the sake of the argument, if you would travel at a steady 20 miles per hour, you would get pretty incredible fuel mileage. (But then even your dog might jump out the window and find a new owner.) The point of this is that the difference in fuel mileage between 60 miles per hour and 80 is significant. You can get much better fuel mileage at lower highway speeds, which is why the government mandated a 55 mile per hour speed limit in the 1970s. Slowing down within reason can improve fuel mileage considerably.
Tires and Weight Count
Your tires, too, contribute to your fuel mileage. Properly inflating your tires can make a significant difference in fuel mileage but also reduces wear on the tires and on the vehicle suspension as well. Many modern vehicles incorporate a tire pressure monitoring system. If your vehicle doesn’t have one, there are some very good choices on the market and these are valuable for a lot of reasons.
What about weight? Weight is absolutely a factor but more so in starting and climbing hills. Wind resistance is a big factor in cruising along the highway but a lighter vehicle will obviously get better fuel economy, especially when accelerating uphill or from a dead stop. This is why many people recommend traveling with empty holding tanks – water is heavy.
There are a lot of assumptions buyers often make about toy haulers — and those assumptions can vary by buyer. One assumption would be that it’s sole purpose really is to transport those outdoor toys. A second might be that a fifth-wheel toy hauler should give you that carrying capacity plus every extravagance of a fifth wheel. But the Forest River Cherokee Wolf Pack 350Pack15 is a fifth-wheel toy hauler tries to do both.
As a large toy hauler, the Cherokee Wolf Pack 350PACK15 is clearly meant to haul toys. And it can certainly do that, easily swallowing larger items. However, the typical abundance of sleeping space that RV shoppers find in some other fifth-wheel toy haulers isn’t something that is part of this picture. Looking at its hybrid nature — half toy hauler, half fifth wheel — it definitely favors one role more than the other.
At a Glance: Cherokee Wolf Pack 350Pack15
I gave the Cherokee Wolf Pack 350PACK15 a rating of 7.2 out of 10. While it shows exceptional capabilities as a toy hauler, it’s really more of an entry-level fifth wheel. This kind of model serves some owners extremely well and earns high marks for value. At the end of the day, a buyer is getting a lot for this price.
[review_summary class=”custom-class” title=”2025 Forest River Cherokee Wolf Pack 350PACK15″ description=”This score is awarded by an expert reviewer conducting an independent assessment of the RV.”]
Check the Specs
Sleeping capacity: 5
Hitch weight: 2,960 pounds
UVW: 16,960 pounds
CCC: 4,697 pounds
Exterior length: 45 feet
Exterior height: 13 feet 5 inches
Exterior width: 8 feet 6 inches
Fresh/Gray/Black: 96/88/44 gallons
Propane: 2 x 20-pound bottles
Awning: 2 x 150-foot awnings
MSRP: $90,753 (estimated)
Features We Love
Huge garage that’s 15 feet long and over 8 feet wide
Back-up camera included
Provision for side-view camera
Leash latches
Two and half kitchens
Kitchen stuff
MAXXAIR fan with rain sensing and remote
The Cherokee Wolf Pack 350PACK15 features a fancy sliding glass door on the side — an unusual feature in a toy hauler.
A wireless camera is included at the back.
An outdoor kitchen with propane griddle, bar-sized fridge, and ice maker.
Several leash latches make it very pet-friendly.
Benefits
Tremendous capacity to carry toys. For those who prioritize hauling toys, it doesn’t get much better than this. The garage is enormous and is configured as an essentially unobstructed space that measures a full 15 feet in length and 97.5 inches in width. Plus, the cargo carrying capacity of this trailer, at well over two tons, is another feather in its cap.
Visibility while towing. Many RVers who tow their rigs opt to install a back-up camera to help with backing into spaces or even seeing who’s back there and what gestures they’re making. It’s nice that this trailer includes a back-up camera and also is prewired for side-view cameras and even an observation camera in the cargo hold to keep an eye on things in the cargo hold.
Pet friendly. The leash latches are intended to be used to keep pets attached to the trailer but could also be used to help lock things like bikes or other toys. There is one at the front and one at the rear of this trailer.
Challenges
Entry-level tires and suspension. The tires and suspension on this trailer are very entry-level pieces. Moreover, the tires don’t have a remote tire pressure monitor system (TPMS) either. This would be the first thing I’d change with a trailer that can weigh almost ten tons.
Tough-to-access sewer connection. The sewer connection is under the main slide room with two gate valves also under the slide room. So, it’s best to hook the sewer up before opening the slide, unless you are part of the traveling contortionist performers. (In which case, this is no biggie.)
Cable-slide mechanisms. Some people are wary of cable slide mechanisms. While I have found them to be reliable, it is ideal to keep an eye on the tension on the cables, which can be adjusted.
A look at the very inconvenient sewer connection under the slide with the handle on the chassis.
Best For
Toy-hauling enthusiasts. The most obvious use case for this RV is for those who want to carry toys. With a huge garage, optional onboard fueling station, and great provisions for hauling toys, that would be a very clear use case.
Campers who love to gather. This could also serve those well who like to hold in-RV celebrations. The cargo bay is huge and has a mini-fridge, fireplace, and even a sink so it would be a great place for celebrations. That is only made more obvious by the fact that the ramp door at the back can be set-up like a patio complete with a built-in fence around it to keep people from stumbling off the edge.
Trade-show businesses. Because the cargo hold is so unobstructed, and there is a sliding glass patio door, you might even make the case that this would be a great choice for a company that does trade shows as well.
Key Areas We Evaluate for RV Buyers
Sleeping Space
Being a fifth-wheel, the main bedroom of the Cherokee Wolf Pack 350PACK15 is upstairs over the pin box. This bed is a king-size model, and the bedroom itself has some unusual features that work out well. Under the bed are two stands that accommodate totes and are included with the trailer. These totes make a great way to pack and unpack this RV. (Individuals onboard could simply take responsibility for their own totes.)
There is a hanging closet on the road side of the bedroom and a nightstand on the camp side rather than closets on both sides. This is typical. There is also a closet at the back of the bedroom with provisions for hanging storage. Also, there are shelves in the lower half of the closet which can be taken out. Here is also where you’ll find provisions for a combo washer-dryer.
Beyond the Bedroom
There is a sleeping loft at the back of the main living space over the cargo area. This can accommodate one individual. For that person, there’s a ladder that can access the loft either from the main living space or from the cargo hold. This space also has a sliding door to block it off from the main living space. You can also use the dinette and drop the table down so that the dinette becomes an additional bed.
But something that you won’t find are any other lifted or moving beds in the cargo hold. While these are typical in most toy haulers, they’re not here as the cargo bay is really best situated for hauling toys. Or parties.
The bedroom features hanging storage on one side and a bedside table on the other with more storage under the bed.
A closet in the bedroom offers hanging and cubby storage.
Up top, here seen from the cargo area, you can see the loft space.
Bathroom
While many fifth-wheel toy haulers have rather elaborate bathrooms, or, at least, elaborate features, the Cherokee Wolf Pack 350PACK15 has a very straightforward bathroom. The design includes a stall shower that has a curtain, a foot-flush toilet. Nicely, there is a decent amount of counter space for the sink. If you imagine the bathroom in a more affordable travel trailer, you won’t be far off as opposed to the typically more elaborate fifth-wheel bathrooms.
The shower offers a lot of headroom.
Personally, I prefer shower curtains in an RV bathroom. More practical, I think.
As you can see, there is pretty good counter space in the bathroom.
Always a welcome sight, there is a high performance vent fan in the bathroom.
Living Area
The main living space in the Cherokee Wolf Pack 350PACK15 has a booth dinette and a theater seat. As mentioned, the booth dinette folds down to make a bed. but theater seats are always theater seats. (Although anyone knows you can sleep in these at the drop of a hat once you’ve achieved my age.) That theater seat faces a TV and electric fireplace.
Under the dinette are very, very long drawers. This arrangement is a classic Cherokee trademark and really does make for good storage.
An interesting extension of the main living space is in the cargo hold of the Cherokee Wolf Pack 350PACK15. It features a flip-up table and a couple of bar-height chairs. There’s also a bar-sized fridge, an electric fireplace, and even a fold-down sink. Perhaps someone was thinking of holding parties. If so, this could be a great space to do so, especially with a second TV hung from the upper portion of the space. The ramp door on this can also form a patio. And there is a folding screen mechanism that surrounds the ramp when it is in patio mode.
Overhead view of the living area and kitchen.
Comfortable interior space, but there is limited seating.
Theater seats offer seating for two plus the dinette. As mentioned, the dinette can convert into an additional sleeping space.
Kitchen
I guess you could almost say there are two-and-one-half kitchens in the Cherokee Wolf Pack 350PACK15. The most obvious one is in the main living space. That kitchen features a three-burner propane stove plus a convection/air fryer microwave oven. There’s also a 12-volt fridge.
Something that feels more upscale is the multifunctional sink. It includes trays for washing veggies, drying dishes, and straining — along with a wooden cutting board and glass washer plus commercial-style faucet. (Nice!)
For kitchen storage, the highlight of that is behind the TV and fireplace. (It can swing out like a secret door in an old-fashioned horror movie.) When open, it reveals a very large pantry. There are also a few drawers in the kitchen and some overhead storage.
In addition to the indoor kitchen, there’s also an outdoor kitchen that features a propane griddle, bar-sized fridge, and an ice maker. There’s also a spray port out here to get pressurized water but not a sink which is fine, there are plenty of aftermarket folding kitchens out there, and you’ll want a table anyway.
Regarding the half-kitchen I referenced, that would be the one in the cargo hold with yet another bar-sized fridge and a drop-down sink. Although, really, that’s more of a wet bar and I think that’s the whole point of that space.
The kitchen features a three-burner stove and a convection microwave but no oven.
This multifunctional sink features a veggie washer, strainer, and other fancy pieces.
Another high-performance vent fan over the kitchen. Good look here too at the overhead cabinets.
A small additional sink folds down in the cargo bay next to a nice mini-fridge.
Four-Season Capabilities
For those who like to camp in colder or warmer climates, the Cherokee Wolf Pack 350PACK15 wouldn’t be a horrible choice. Its underbelly is enclosed and heated, and there are also heat pads on the holding tanks. But there is an asterisk. The challenge is in the sewer hook-ups. These are long and exposed to the elements. Nobody wants their holding tanks to freeze the sewer connections, and pipes freezing would be unpleasant at best. So, the Cherokee Wolf Pack 350PACK15 would work best in more temperate winter conditions — versus harsh freezing conditions.
Storage Space
There is storage also in the front of the Cherokee Wolf Pack 350PACK15, as you might expect in a fifth-wheel toy hauler. That same compartment is available from both sides as well as from the front of the trailer.
Unexpected highlights are the storage compartments upstairs in the bedroom and under the bed with the totes built into them. I really like this type of arrangement.
If you don’t need the upper loft for sleeping, it could also be used for storage of things like helmets or whatever, really.
A front compartment door also provides access to the front storage compartment.
Front passthrough storage is also accessible from the front compartment door.
There is good storage in the hidden pantry behind the TV and fireplace.
Padded benches under the bed with six totes. Really like totes as a storage solution.
Chassis/Suspension
The suspension on the Cherokee Wolf Pack 350PACK15 is a very basic leaf spring design. Frankly, this is not my favorite. The better a suspension is at absorbing vibration and harshness, the less that is transmitted to the RV itself. Leaf spring suspensions are relatively inexpensive but do little to absorb vibration. Further the dry-bolt system isn’t designed to be lubricated. Therefore, it can wear out more quickly. Many RVers find themselves upgrading this type of suspension, especially in an RV of this size.
The tires also come without a remote tire pressure monitor system. So, were I to purchase this RV, that would be one of the very first upgrades I would make.
Low-grade Westlake tires and traditional leaf spring suspension.
Power stabilizer jacks.
Build Quality
The Cherokee Wolf Pack 350PACK15 is pretty standard in how it’s built — not exceptional overall but nothing that stands out as being especially bad either.
Some features are simply more entry-level. The low-grade tires and suspension are certainly examples of things that could be done better. Also, the baggage compartment doors are relatively thin with very basic camlocks. Other details include the blinds on the windows —simple accordion-folding shades that don’t do a great job of blocking out light.
I will say the sewer connection and gate valves are under the main living room slide so you’ll either want to practice up on your contortionist tendencies or hook everything up before the slide is extended. This is how I do my own trailer which is set-up in much the same way.
However, the Cherokee Wolf Pack 350PACK15 balances out some nice touches, like those mentioned in the kitchen. I also like that Cherokee uses upgraded vent fans, which is a major improvement on entry-level fans that basically do nothing.
Right in the middle, you could place the windows with their mirror finish. Cherokee uses these for fifth wheels, and it has polarized some. They work well to reflect light and the sun’s rays, but they also can be intrusive to other campers. Personally, I don’t think they’re bothersome, but it’s something to know if you stand on either side of the aisle.
In case you have forgotten what type of RV you have, this lighted display is there to remind you. Admittedly, it’s pretty cool.
Garage
If you’re looking to buy a fifth-wheel toy hauler specifically for the garage, I got news for you: The Cherokee Wolf Pack 350PACK15 is one to consider. At an overall length of 15-feet, a width of over 8 feet, and multiple tie-downs, this toy hauler can really haul toys. Further, this RV has a cargo carrying capacity of 4,697 pounds, which is also quite good. I really like the fact that there are small compartment doors on each side of this trailer to access the front-most cargo tie-down rings. That way, you can cinch up the straps holding your cargo in place or simply just check it as you move along your journey.
As mentioned earlier, there is no overhead bed in this trailer either. So, height is less of an issue here than it might be in other toy haulers with a bed system. If it’s all about what toys you can haul, this one is about as good as it gets. While there is no lift system for a bed and/or couches, there is the drop-down desk on the side but that’s it.
Different Doors
Some fifth-wheels toy haulers have what is called a “three season” door between the cargo bay and patio deck, which is a glass door, but this model only features a drop-down screen wall. So the patio would be more of a fair-weather gathering spot, which is fine.
Something truly unusual in the cargo bay of this trailer is a sliding glass door on the camp side, much like a park model trailer would have. Another interesting thing in the cargo bay are metal pieces on the ceiling with blue lighting behind them that illuminate the words “Wolf Pack.” (Just cool!)
In the cargo bay, you can see the loft, min-fridge,, fireplace, and sink. Morever, look at how unobstructed the cargo area is. Lots of room in here.
The cargo hold of features a flip-up desk, which could be used for remote work or just as a platform for entertaining.
A large patio ramp that’s also enclosed — a very nice feature.
A fuel bay with 30 gallon tank and fill provision.
Value
Compared to plenty of other fifth wheels, including toy haulers, the Cherokee Wolf Pack 350PACK15 is relatively affordable with an MSRP under $100,000. Naturally, the value measurement would have to include just how you’re planning to use this trailer. If it’s all about hauling toys, then this model is pretty great. But if you have a family or group that you’d like to travel with, the kitchen is pretty limited as is seating space. (Although there are solutions to this kind of thing. You could easily bring comfortable folding chairs with all the storage space you have and then use those in the cargo bay.)
Still, if I were to buy an RV like this, my first thing would be upgrading the suspension and tires. So, I would consider that in the purchase price. (But it could be that I’m not typical.)You might also factor in the optional “West Coast Power Package” if you’re doing any off-grid camping whatsoever beyond a single night. The price of this RV is pretty affordable, but, depending on how you use it, there might be some upgrades right away that you would want to factor into this equation.
Off-Grid Considerations
In its most basic form, the Cherokee Wolk Pack 350PACK15 comes with 200 watts of solar, which might compensate for the 12-volt fridge on a perfectly sunny day. The model we saw had the “West Coast Power Package.” This option includes a 30-gallon fuel tank and generator prep. In addition, you can have this model outfitted with a 6,000-watt generator from the factory. For those who like to camp off the grid, as many owners of toy haulers do, these options might be a wise choice.
There is a very large (96 gallon) freshwater tank. (And, often, with solid power sources the thing that brings campers in from boondocking is more about running out of water than running out of power.)
Closing Notes on the Cherokee Wolf Pack 350Pack15
If you were to write the definition of “toy hauler” for the dictionary, you might use the Cherokee Wolk Pack 350PACK15 as an example. In doing so, you’d be doing the dictionary a favor. This RV can absolutely haul toys. But many toy haulers can also sleep a lot of people with beds on lift mechanisms in the cargo hold. This fifth-wheel toy hauler very much prioritizes the hauling of toys — and that will absolutely work for some buyers.
To be fair, the Cherokee Wolf Pack 350PACK15 has a lot of build aspects that feel more like an entry-level fifth wheel, but that’s not a horrible thing. Moreover, this does come at a price that’s pretty favorable. So, I can see this RV not only working very well for outdoor toy enthusiasts but also for those who like to hold celebrations — or even for some businesses that need a space for trade shows.
A Note on the RV Trader Review Process
RV Trader asked RV shoppers what was most important to them in their RV buying process. Potential buyers — like you — helped us to identify a list of six key areas that camping and travel enthusiasts always look at when they’re searching for the perfect RV: sleeping space, bathroom, living area, four-season capabilities, and storage space.
The RV Trader team then got to work providing you with honest and unbiased evaluations. If you’re wondering, that’s where I came in. As an RV expert and enthusiast, I provide an honest look at RVs from an RV industry insider perspective.
One of the greatest hidden benefits of roadschooling occurs naturally — lifeschooling. Sure, conventional public education has its benefits. It provides a steady stream of academic lessons and creates structure. But roadschooling truly has a knack for making education relevant to life. And that includes teaching your kids math in your RV.
In my early years of public education, I remember taking a home economics class. We learned to sew, cook eggs, and bake bread. I loved it. But I would have traded that in a heart beat for a practical course in life mathematics. I’m not talking about algebra and calculus. I’m talking about budgeting, sales taxes, gas prices, credit cards, and more.
And here’s the good news for all the roadschooling parents out there: That curriculum is conveniently built into life on the road. All you have to do is put down on paper what you’re already doing day-to-day with your kids.
Giving Math the Texture of the Real World
As my daughter and I embark on the ever evolving journey of mathematical education, one thing continues to surface in our application: Learning numbers on a page seems completely different than applying them to the real world. A child could be proficient in a fifth-grade math curriculum and still be unable to apply it in any real world situation. If math is confined to the inside of a book, classroom, or rote memorization, it may require a little dusting off before it can benefit them in the real time situations.
Taking math education out of the classroom allows us to weave real-life scenarios into the subject. This will connect the learning mind with the doing mind. As an added bonus, it opens a whole new world of authentic engagement and curiosity.
Playing with Distance, Speed, and Time
Whether your child is learning to read a clock, or utilizing multiplication, distance calculation on the road is a great tool for applied learning. (It’s also a clever answer to, “When are we gonna get there?”)
Personally, we like to use a manual clock and a paper map (or Google Maps) to calculate arrival times. This helps my daughter practice her time-telling, while also using math in an applied setting to determine how long the journey will take. (Incidentally, it pairs nicely with a geography lesson on the road!)
Depending on their math level, you can start to introduce speed to calculate a more precise arrival time. And from there, you can sprinkle in fuel prices to calculate trip costs. This segues nicely into a conversation about budgeting!
Simplifying the Budget for Trip Costs
If the word “budget” invokes a visceral response in your nervous system, you are not alone. (for some of us, it’s hard to imagine a more overwhelming and foreboding term in the financial vocabulary?) “Budget” is laden with so many emotional, economical, and social stigmas that it can be easy to just avoid the subject altogether. But that’s the adult in you. Kids carry no stigma over the word “budget.” To them, it’s about money — a magical thing that’s they’re naturally interested in. So, make it a learning game.
Budgeting for a singular event, like a road trip, is a good way to isolate and simplify the subject. If you’re like me, you could take this opportunity to refresh yourself on healthy budgeting tools, while showing your children the basic mechanics of financial planning and healthy financial literacy.
Step 1: Simplify it to fuel and food.
To start, you may want to isolate one or two items on your proposed trip budget, such as fuel and food expenses. Food budgeting alone can offer days of lesson plans. It can also unveil opportunities for colorful lessons in the kitchen with meal plans and budget friendly recipes and snack ideas.
Step 2: Walk them through meal planning.
For financial planning around food, consider starting with a meal plan. This could be as simple as a list, or as complex as a graph chart. After your meal plan has been predetermined, start pricing out some of the food, and getting an idea of cost. After you estimate the cost of your meal plan, you may want to go back and shift your original menu, by adding a little or taking away.
You can start to see the endless opportunities that these types of lessons can hold for teaching our children! By allowing them to help see the cost of decisions, you really equip them to see the machinery of life.
Letting the Lessons Add Up Gradually
After isolating a few of the fundamental trips costs, you can start to use this as an opportunity for more extensive planning. So many things must be weighed when budgeting for, well, just about anything. This is a skill in itself. I have observed many seasoned travelers who possess proficient skills in project management and business oversight that could rival just about any professional business consultant or project manager. Planning and budgeting has been distilled down to a precise science for many vetted travelers. Involving our children with these fundamentals equips them with vital skills to survive in this financial world that we live in.
As long as RVs have been around, this question has been around: How do you know if an RV is well-made? Reason alone would suggest that their must be some chief indicators of an RV model’s build quality. And reason, as you might have guessed, is right. The trouble is that RVs are composed so many different systems that assessing each one can feel exhaustive. So, what’s a buyer to do?
Well, I have good news and grown-up news. The good news is that they’re definitely are some indicators you can look for that speak to an RV model’s build quality. These are great places to start — and looking for them in a model can help you assess your interest more quickly. However, once you’ve narrowed your list with model’s whose build quality you trust, then you get the grown-up news: You still need to assess your whole RV. (But now, you’re doing that between a few models, so it’s less scary.)
So, let’s get started. But first, an important word on how RVs are put together.
Clue-in on the RV Manufacturing Process and Components
RVs are made up of components from a variety of suppliers. Those suppliers have a range of products from affordable to exceptional. There are absolutely higher-quality components and those that are more price-focused.
RVs are almost completely hand-built in a big hurry. (There is almost no automation in RV manufacturing.) Some companies tend to keep team members for a long time, others don’t. Those companies who do have team members that stay a while also tend to have fewer issues with errors being made in installation.
What I always recommend is starting at the underside of an RV before even stepping inside. This is where an RV company can specify high-quality components or more price-focused pieces.
Ask About the Manufacturer’s Testing Process
Since RVs are mostly hand-built, one of the ways to make sure all the team are in line with the changes and production systems is to find out what kind of testing a company will do as part of their build process.
I’ve been to a lot of RV assembly lines. Frankly, there is a huge difference in how the team works together — as well as the processes put in place to enable them to be at their best. It’s really telling, to me, to see team members joking and working together in a harmonious fashion. But recently there’s something that I’ve seen. In some RV factories, they are extensive testing either along the production line or at the end of the line. Certain companies do both.
So, one of the ways to see how your RV is built is to reach out to the manufacturer and find out what all testing the company does as part of the production process. Companies that have processes that they’re proud of will likely gladly share those processes with you.
Here are some, but not all, examples of things I’ve seen in doing RV factory tours.
Examples of Manufacturer Testing
We had the chance to visit with Jayco to review some units there, and I also got to go to one of their predelivery inspection (PDI) testing facilities. Jayco has several purpose-built facilities to test every unit built before it is delivered to the customer.
I have also been to the Rockwood/Flagstaff facility. There, the company has a special door insert that pressurizes the RV with air. Then team members spray soapy water on the exterior looking for leaks. I also have seen them hook the propane and water systems up to pressure and test to make sure those systems can hold pressure.
At Alliance RV, the company has installed shaker tables and each RV coming off the line is parked on a shaker tables. These tables shake the rig to make sure it holds up to the shaking. And at ATC, they have a rain booth where the trailers are subjected to the equivalent of a strong rain storm, again to check for leaks.
Here, this is me (left) touring Jayco’s testing facility.
This platform at Alliance RV shakes an RV to make sure it’s put together properly.
This is an RV door-seal blower used for water tests.
Start with the Suspension
Looking at an RV itself, as mentioned, I aways recommend that buyers start from the road up. The suspension is an area where RVs can significantly differentiate from one another.
If you’re choosing a motorhome, and it’s a Ford motorhome or E-Series chassis, these can be pretty harsh. Some companies will step up the ride and handling using an upgraded suspension and/or steering system. If you’re looking at a gas-powered motorhome based on the Ford chassis, companies that upgrade these usually make a big deal about the upgrade as it is expensive.
As for towables, the cheapest suspension you can get is a leaf spring suspension with dry bolts. These offer very little compliance and don’t eliminate a lot of the harshness that can be transmitted from the road. Further, the lack of a greaseable fitting means that they can experience wear rather quickly.
Upgrades and Technology
Some RV companies will upgrade their trailer suspensions with improved shock dampening components. This means fewer shocks are transmitted into the trailer itself. Ultimately, that can help it last longer. Also, there are a few companies who provide greaseable fittings on their suspension which also helps with longevity, provided you regularly inspect and grease these components. You wouldn’t even consider driving a vehicle without shock dampening which, on a vehicle, is a shock, absorber but most trailers have little or no shock dampening in their suspensions whatsoever.
There are a few technologies that do provide improved shock dampening including a torsion-axle suspension. This is a unique suspension that mitigates vibration and harshness. Nicely, it also requires little maintenance.
A step up from this is Curt’s trailing coil suspension. It uses coil springs and shocks at each wheel to provide exceptional towing while lessening road irregularities. However, these systems require a beefier frame and are pricey. So, you don’t see many RVs with them, but they are available to manufacturers for both fifth wheels and travel trailers.
Basic leaf spring suspension and entry-level tires.
Simple leaf spring suspension on the Shasta Compact 16RE.
Hankook tires with anti-lock brakes but a leaf spring suspension.
A look at the robust Curt touring coil suspension.
Get a Look at the Plumbing
One of the biggest sources of headaches for RVers is in the plumbing department. While virtually all RVs now use PEX plumbing, which is good, there’s more to it than that. In many cases, RVs use flexible lines in some places but with PEX clamps. You will find no shortage of complaints about this in any RV-related forum. There are now some companies using different connectors for these flexible hoses.
A very few RVs actually have shut-off valves for each fixture so that, if there is a plumbing issue, you can disable that one fixture and camp on. This is ideal.
You can see the use of PEX clamps on flexible plumbing lines in this RV.
Inquire About Wall Construction
There are essentially three main ways RV companies build RV walls. Some use a wood frame with an aluminum skin. Others use a number of layers in a lamination process. And still others use fiberglass molds for the entire wall structure. There are some pretty significant variations among these broader categories. (Of course, there’s also the aluminum build that Airstream uses.)
Azdel! What Does That Even Mean?
The biggest variety of processes is in laminated walls where all manner of components and glue can be used to build a wall. You may have come across the term “Azdel” when referring to RV walls. Azdel is a man-made sheet that is impervious to water damage. It also provides some benefit in sound insulation.
There are now competitors to Azdel for this product as well. Essentially, the product is used beneath the surface of the fiberglass exterior layer and offers the benefit of not being damaged if there is water intrusion.
Laminated Walls
For laminated walls, typically the layers are fiberglass. Nexta substrate (this is where Azdel would come in). Then either an aluminum rib or foam insulation. And then another substrate layer and then the interior wall board. There are some cases where the interior wall is the entire inner layer.
Traditionally, lauan had been used as the substrate. However, this material can be damaged if water gets into the walls. You will likely find that, if a company uses a man-made substrate, they’re pretty proud of this and it will appear on the marketing materials for the RV.
Considering Future Repairs
I like the laminated wall but know that, if it’s damaged, it’s difficult to repair. It does offer good strength to weight advantages. There are a ton of different variables with this, too. These can include the quality of the glue the company uses, the process by which the lamination itself is done, and more. I have found that when a company is diligent in some of the processes that you can see, they tend to be more diligent in the processes you can’t. (Like wall builds, although this is a big generalization. )
Aluminum-skinned wood-framed trailers (stick-and-tin) are the least expensive to build. This traditional process isn’t bad at all but know that it’s more challenging to seal. Properly maintaining these seals will prevent water intrusion which can destroy any RV.
Companies like Casita are famous for making trailers like boats using a fiberglass mold. These have far less chances of water damage.
A laminated RV wall awaiting installation at the Ember RV plant.
A cross-section from a fiberglass-bodied RV showing the layers used in its construction.
Wood-framed trailer featuring corregated exterior. Follow the yellow arrow, and you can spot the traditional wood framing.
Inspect the Roof
Another place to look is the roof. It’s very common that RVs are built with a rubber-like membrane on the roof. And some of these carry a lifetime warranty. Still, the sealants used around the breaches in the roof for things like vents and antennae and that sort of thing do not.
You can see how well a sealant was applied, which is another indicator of how the RV is built overall. All these seals are also something to routinely inspect. They can last for years with no issues or need attention on a somewhat routine basis. The manufacturer of the RV will specify what should be used to maintain these seals.
Open All the Cabinets
The quality RV cabinetry varies tremendously. Some RVs use very, very inexpensive cabinetry, and others really go the extra mile. Stepping into an RV and opening a drawer, you can easy see the caliber of cabinetry a company uses.
But there is more than meets the eye. In some cases, RV companies will use very high quality hardwood cabinet doors and drawer faces, but then use sticker-wrapped wood composite stiles and bases for their cabinets.
How to Inspect Drawers and Cabinets
One way to tell how the cabinet structure is built is to take your phone and look at the back side of the cabinets. On many RV cabinets you will see the fancy appearance come to an end and what looks like a smooth particle board take its place. These are sticker-wrapped MDF cabinets.
Another place to look is how the cabinet and drawer structures are joined and finished. I’ve seen plenty of drawer boxes that are unfinished and stapled together. Some are nicely finished and stapled together. Very few drawer boxes actually have a dovetail construction, which is the best.
Don’t Forget These Spots
Other places you can see how the RV is built is by lifting the bed or looking under cushions. In some cases, it looks almost like the company used spare palettes to build the furnishings. Other times, you’ll be really impressed with a higher quality build. And there are some companies who build dinette and bed bases out of welded aluminum, which is more costly but offers good strength and light weight.
You can also see how far the drawers extend and what type of drawer slide mechanism is used. Nowadays, many RVs use ball-bearing glides, but there is a difference in the weight carrying capacity of these glides. There are also a few that are under the drawer box itself. (So you don’t even see the glide.)
A plywood drawer with a reinforcing piece.
Dovetail plywood drawer construction is truly top-notch.
Some questionable finish details found anywhere can be an indictor of the overall build quality.
Measure That Kitchen Oven
While many RV appliances found in your galley come from one or two major suppliers, those suppliers offer a variety of grades of appliances. A common way companies save money is by specifying a small 17-inch (vertical) oven. I write about this often in our independent RV Trader reviews, but it simply does a very poor job of cooking with hot spots and limited space. There is also a larger 21-inch oven, which I have used to roast a prime rib. (It performs well.) The cooktops are relatively standard until you start hitting the upper end of the price spectrum.
Know that you’re almost guaranteed to get a 12-volt compressor fridge in any RV nowadays. These have improved remarkably and are specially designed for life on the road. (I have anarticle where I tested a new 12-volt fridge’s efficiency.)
Don’t Neglect the Data Plate
One last area to look at is with data plate on the RV. All new RVs have to have one. This will show you how much cargo the RV can carry. It spells it out fairly clearly. You should know that there should be sufficient cargo carrying capability to reasonably accommodate the things you’d normally bring camping. Some RVs are built so close to capacity that there is little accommodation for your stuff. (This is particularly true in some Class C motorhomes, but not all.)
Weight sticker of the Thor Motor Coach Pasadena 38XL, a motorhome.
Weight sticker of the Highland Ridge Open Range 322RLS, a travel trailer.
Allow RV Build Quality to Refine Your Shopping List
RVs are beautiful, and the adventure promised is incredible. So, admittedly, it’s easy to get swept up in the vision of adventure when shopping. Still, looking just a bit below the surface can tell you a lot about an RV model’s build quality. And that’s important, because the fact is that there are absolutely some RVs built better than others. Choosing wisely can really set a great course for less stress, more adventure in an RV that does what you bought it for.
If you’ve ever packed for an extended RV trip, you know this truth: Space is gold. Between camping gear, seasonal clothes, outdoor furniture, tools, dog supplies, and the random “just in case” items we all bring along, storage space inside your RV quickly becomes one of your most valued features. Fact is, most of us on the road need RVs with storage space.
After years on the road with my wife and our two dogs, we’ve certainly learned that exact lesson. A little extra storage can always go a long way — especially when you’re full-timing or heading out on long-haul adventures. From gear-heavy road trips to off-grid escapes, having the right rig with built-in storage solutions can mean the difference between chaos and calm.
Thankfully, the THOR Industries family offers some great options for those of you looking to maximize your space. Whether you’re looking at motorhomes or towables, there’s various choices to maximize space without compromising comfort or design.
Here are some of the top THOR RVs for storage, class by class.
Class A: Thor Motor Coach Outlaw Wild West Edition
When it comes to raw storage power in a Class A, the Thor Motor Coach Outlaw Wild West Edition is hard to beat. As one of those rare crossbreeds — a toy hauler-motorhome — it breaks the mold by integrating a dedicated rear garage, making ideal for motorcycles, ATVs, e-bikes, or just piles of adventure gear.
Standout Storage Features:
Rear garage that doubles as a patio or workspace
Remote fueling station for your toys
Loads of exterior compartments and interior cabinetry
This rig isn’t just about storage — it’s about bringing your lifestyle with you. We’ve crossed paths with Outlaw owners hauling all kinds of “toys” or equipment. So, if you’re serious about your hobbies, this one lets you take them all on the road.
Class B: Airstream Interstate 19X
Compact doesn’t mean cramped. The Airstream Interstate 19X, part of THOR’s extended family, is built for travelers who prioritize agility and still need room for adventure gear. We love how smart the interior is — using every inch with intention.
Standout Storage Features:
Aluminum L-tracks for securing bikes, kayaks, and bulky items
Clever underbench storage and overhead racks
Wide-opening rear doors for easy cargo loading
This van-style motorhomeis perfect for spontaneous adventurers or couples traveling light but ready for big experiences. We traveled in a Class B before upgrading to a larger rig, and while the square footage was small, the storage design with a little addition we made — which I’ll talk about later — allowed us to go long-term without issues.
Class C: Tiffin Wayfarer 25 XRW
Looking for the sweet spot between Class A size and Class B flexibility? The Tiffin Wayfarer 25 XRW delivers. This Class C model boasts 130 cubic feet of basement storage — more than some fifth wheels.
Standout Storage Features:
Massive passthrough basement storage
Deep wardrobes and drawers throughout
Hidden compartments tucked behind and beneath cabinetry
Class-leading interior ceiling height adds room for even more overhead storage
If you’re carrying hiking gear, pet supplies, extra bedding, or hobby equipment, the Wayfarer gives you space to breathe. This is especially helpful for dog parents (like us) who always seem to need one more bin for pet food, leashes, blankets, and toys.
Travel Trailer: Keystone Cougar
Towable RVs often surprise with their clever use of space, and the Keystone Cougar is no exception. With features that feel more residential than recreational, this model is perfect for families or seasonal travelers.
Standout Storage Features:
Under-dinette drawers and pull-out trash bins
Oversized pantries that can double as broom closets or dry storage
Dual bathroom vanities and large linen closets
Full-height wardrobes and thoughtfully placed hidden nooks
This one shines in functionality. You can feel the difference when everything has a designated spot, especially on rainy days when everyone’s inside and the floor space gets tight.
Fifth-Wheel Toy Hauler: Heartland Cyclone
If storage is your No. 1 priority, and you don’t mind towing a larger rig, the Heartland Cyclone might be your dream hauler. Built for adventurers who bring all the gear, it combines luxury living with massive storage.
Standout Storage Features:
Enormous rear garage for toys or mobile office/workshop setups
Spacious passthrough basement storage
Multiple interior cabinets and overhead compartments
Dual access points and practical loading design
Many full-time RVers choose this model for its versatility. We’ve seen everything from mobile businesses to large families call the Cyclone home — and the built-in garage makes it feel endlessly adaptable.
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Bonus Tip: Add Storage with Rooftop Solutions
No matter which RV you go with, adding aftermarket storage can go a long way. One of our favorite upgrades in our former Thor Motor Coach Sequence 20L was installing a rooftop cargo box. It gave us an easy place to stow bulky, lightweight items like folding chairs, inflatable paddleboards, or even seasonal clothes.
Pro tip: Choose a low-profile box designed for vehicle roofs, and always double-check weight limits on your roof rack and ladder access points. Secure it properly, especially if you plan to drive in high-wind areas or rough roads.
Shopping the Best THOR RVs with Storage Space
Storage might not be the flashiest RV feature, but it quickly becomes one of the most essential. The right rig doesn’t just fit your lifestyle; it fits your stuff, too. Whether you’re hauling outdoor gear, home office supplies, or just trying to stay organized on the road, these THOR RVs come with a lot of storage space — and prove that you don’t have to compromise comfort for capacity.
If you’re shopping RVs with storage space in mind, consider your must-haves: garage space, cabinetry layout, exterior access, or modular tie-down systems. And always double-check specs by floorplan — they can vary even within the same model line.
At the end of the day, the best RV is the one that helps you stay ready for anything, so you can spend less time packing and more time adventuring.
Those who see Krista’s life from the slick screen of their phone may think that life as an RV influencer is one thing — all sunny smiles and stunning scenery. But while those picturesque images are real, so is another reality — her journey of grit, faith, and courage. The reality is that Krista — of @happyhealthycasita on Instagram and Facebook — is more than an RV influencer. She is a wife, a mother, and an entrepreneur. In a digital world governed by perfect snapshots in time, it’s easy to forget that influencers are human first, storytellers second.
During my interview with Krista, she helped pull back the curtain and allowed me to go with her behind the scenes into what her life on the road as an RV influencer is really like.
Where Krista’s Journey Began: “Did I Make the Right Choice?”
It’s a familiar theme to millions of a Americans now, but it was shocking then. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic ripped open the canvas of everyone’s daily life. Some people tried desperately to mend it back. Others grabbed hold of the loose threads and fled the scene altogether. In 2021, that’s exactly what Krista, her husband Ryan, and their son did. They started by spending short weekends away in a 2004 Thor Motor Coach Wanderer Glide Lite. They were spending more and more time outside, and more and more time together. And Krista saw that their quality of life was elevating in direct proportion with these changes.
During the pandemic, Krista’s job at a local community college became virtual. Ryan was already working remotely for a software company. So, they saw an opportunity for a big life change. They sold everything, including their house, in one giant leap of faith. This monumental act of courage didn’t come without a healthy dose of doubt, fear, and second guessing. They asked themselves over and over if they were crazy. Not only were they in the throes of a global pandemic. As they launched into full-time life in their RV, Krista was also 27 weeks pregnant with their second child .
Krista recounts, “I remember those first days and just the craziness of moving and being in the RV and just trying to figure it all out. We left our community. We left all we knew … And I remember just sitting on the floor crying and thinking, ‘What did we do?’ All these big leaps of faith where you’re like, ‘Did I make the right choice?’ ”
Some of the biggest rewards require big risks. I’m not talking about a trip to your local casino. I mean stepping into a vulnerable place — stripped of all sense of security and then sticking around a while. That is a leap of faith that can reap big rewards. Raising a family is going to be hard no matter where you are. But taking your home on the road means you can, “Choose your hard, and choose your beautiful.” Krista and her family chose both.
Embracing a Community: “What’s gotten us through”
When Krista and her family started their journey on the road, she made sure to prioritize community as a part of the experience. She says that is what got her through. After her difficult transition into full-time RVing — with a newborn, in the middle of a pandemic — she started connecting with other families. They sat down with her and shared stories. And validation. With a sense of community, she started to have some aha moments like, “OK, wait. This might be okay … This is why we did this.”
Now, as a fully vetted full-time RVer, she connects with families as often as she can. And specifically, new RV families.
“I just love connecting with new families as much as I can. And I try and reach out to people and invite them over, because I just want them to know that it is hard,” Krista confesses, “Taking that leap of faith can feel so overwhelming at times — because you just question everything, and everything feels so new. It’s a completely different way of living. The community on the road is what’s gotten us through.”
Krista engages with other families on the road through a variety of means. Facebook groups, Instagram, and Fulltime Families, all offer infinite opportunities for RV socialization.
So now, Krista is giving a little bit back, which is part of what motivated her to be so engaged in the digital RV community — and ultimately, took her on the road to become an RV influencer. As an RV influencer, she brings her authentic story to a platform with genuine engagement. She enjoys validating and motivating others who want to embark on similar journeys.
Fringe Hours: “It’s OK if I can’t post everyday”
But being so deeply enmeshed on your platform as an RV influencer comes at a price. The biggest cost is time. This is something that nobody is giving out for free, and once it’s gone, it’s gone. Krista discovered this reality as her sphere of influence grew..
I asked Krista how she balances the time suck of content creation, especially with kids.
“That’s a great question. I feel like some days, like, plates drop. Right? And I’m always going to put my kids first.”
Social media is definitely not on the top of her list of priorities. Her husband, being the full-time worker in the family, gets his work day first. Often, Krista is left with the “fringe hours.”
Even so, she is grateful for that, and her husband is really good at giving that to her when it’s available. And her platform clearly shows that Krista makes the best of it, cranking out content in small windows of time as they present themselves. What is difficult is to avoid the comparison game with other content creators. Many RV influencers have no children. Others don’t have a full-time working partner. Playing the game of social media sustainably, means regular affirmations like: “It’s OK if I can’t post everyday,” or, “It will always be there as something to come back to,” and “If I take a couple days off, it’s not the end of the world.”
Behind the scenes of an influencer is a very delicate balance of content creation and real life. The platform must be constantly weighed against life, scheduling, and financial priorities.
Making Money: “You can do partnerships.”
Sure: On the other side of the screen, it may look easy. But make no mistake — the sacrifices of being an RV influencer on social media aren’t cheap. They are big. Influencers have to sacrifice time with their kids, their partner, and time away from the present moment. All this in an effort to share their stories and ideas with you. This isn’t a terribly sustainable model without some sort of tangible payback.
Krista still works part time for the community college virtually. She also has, “little entrepreneurial things here and there,” on social media. But it’s not as straightforward as it may seem. Making money on social media requires a lot of work and planning.
“That’s something that I kind of toggle back and forth with. Being a mom is my main gig. And I do have a part-time job. I’m the homeschool parent, the travel planner, you know, all those things.”
In other words, time is a precious commodity, and it isn’t given out lightly.
Krista shares that social media is, “a creative outlet for me. It’s a connection outlet for me.And, you know, you can build a business that way … I think it’s something that a lot of RVers fell into, because it’s just an intriguing lifestyle. You can share about something like, just teaching people about RV living, to … budget friendly travel and hidden gems and outdoor activities with kids. There’s just so much you can do with it.”
I asked her more specifically how that translates to monetary exchange. People aren’t venmoing her simply for being awesome on Instagram. There are layers of things that happen before money is exchanged, or goods/services are traded.
“You can do partnerships with RV brands … I’m still figuring out the ropes half the time.” Krista explains, “I’ve really started to take it more seriously as a business this past year. I’m still growing and learning, for sure.”
“We’ve worked with brands for a new lock on our door… We are actually getting our tanks cleaned this week, and I’m working with a brand on that, to highlight them. Its basically advertising for them, but we are also getting the service. So, sometimes people will do it for trade, sometimes people will do it for pay. There’s a lot of factors that go into that. You can work with RV brands specifically.” Or, she says, an RV influencer can go a different route.
“I’ll often reach out to places that we want to visit in advance, like in North Dakota by Theodore Roosevelt National Park for instance. I talked to the tourism board, and I was like, ‘Hey, we’d like to, you know, explore.’ And they were like, ‘Yeah, we’ll shoot you tickets.” She says that can allow her and the family sometimes to go to dinner, a musical, or nature exhibits, opening a world of options for travel and exploration. The payback isn’t always monetary. It can come in the form of free entertainment, places to stay, and maybe even repairs on your rig. In exchange, the brand or tourism board will ask to be documented and shared, regarding any content made on the subject.
“It’s been fun to highlight this stuff for people, but in a sense, it’s keeping this lifestyle and those experiences more affordable for us too, because I’m putting in work to advertise, especially for them. But at the same time, my family is getting to do that experience that maybe we wouldn’t have otherwise.”
As content creators, “We’re photographers. We’re videographers. We’re creating ads.” This is something that brands in the past would pay professionals a lot of money to do, that now RV influencers can do.
But Krista doesn’t just advertise any brand that is willing to pay or trade with her.
“If I’m putting it out on my page, it’s getting out to my community of people that you know I’ve built up. And we connect. They have this relationship with me in a sense, you know, that I’ve built.” Krista clarifies, “I really focus on authenticity and not sharing things on my page that aren’t truly things that I believe in. And I hope that the people who come to my page also see that and then they have that trust built up when they’re looking at something that I am sharing.”
Behind the Scenes: Not as Easy as It Looks
Safe to say that the journey of an influencer, comes with a lot more blood, sweat, and tears than people realize. Krista’s story certainly speaks to that. After speaking with her, I realized that she has a way of intertwining life lessons with a sort of organizational foresight that is required to put her life on the platform so succinctly. It requires an immense amount of foresight and strategic marketing on a bed of authentic storytelling and genuine engagement. All of this must be delivered while simultaneously prioritizing motherhood, roadschooling, lifeschooling, and so much more. She has mastered a juggling act that few can equal. And this is why, being an RV influencer isn’t as easy as it looks. I don’t think many can claim the title by luck. And Krista has definitely earned hers.
A toy hauler with a unique take on cargo versus living space, the 2025 Forest River Vengeance Rogue Armored 341GS11 utilizes an unusual method that gives owners the ability to optimize either configuration. Apparently with a boondocking, outdoorsy, all-weather buyer in mind, this model also offers exceptional off-grid camping cold-weather camping capabilities.
At a Glance: Vengeance Rogue Armored 341GS11
Overall, I rated the Vengeance Rogue Armored 341GS11 a 8.0 out of 10, but this number alone doesn’t tell the whole story. This toy hauler showcases some really impressive features — even beyond the garage, which you would expect. It’s ability to survive colder camping, the built-in tire pressure monitor and high-quality tires, and an interior that could transform into a great entertainment space all come to mind.
However, there are also aspects of the the Vengeance Rogue Armored that felt closer to entry-level in terms of build quality. Let’s talk more about it all.
[review_summary class=”custom-class” title=”2025 Forest River Vengeance Rogue Armored 341GS11″ description=”This score is awarded by an expert reviewer conducting an independent assessment of the RV.”]
Check the Specs
Sleeping capacity: 6
Hitch weight: 2,990 pounds
UVW: 16,990 pounds
CCC: 4,116 pounds
Exterior length: 39 feet 11 inches
Exterior height 13 feet 4 inches
Exterior width: 8 feet 6 inches
Fresh/Gray/Black: 170/40/40 gallons
Propane: 2x 30-pound tanks
Awnings: TBD
MSRP: $127,025 (estimated)
Features We Love
Garage with large cargo carrying capacity and fueling station
Winter-ready features: heated and enclosed holding tanks, thicker walls, and 12-volt tank heating pads, plus three air conditioners for when the temperature rises
Innovative inside-RV slide room that alternately optimizes or condenses cargo or living space
Simple upper bed lift mechanism
Small fridge and cabinet in the cargo bay
Three-season patio doors plus patio deck
Check out this big deck with three-season doors.
The fueling station and its controls
Benefits
On the Inside
Toy hauling. At its most basic function as a toy hauler, the Vengeance Rogue Armored one features a large garage space and good cargo carrying capacity that can accommodate even some of the larger side-by-sides or other vehicles.
Versatile space configuration. There is a really unusual and innovative slide room within the main living space of this RV that can optimize either the living space or the cargo space — a truly unique feature.
Easy bedmaking. The bed lift mechanism in the cargo area uses simple struts to enable raising or lowering of the upper bed. This simple mechanism is fast and requires no power – I like this better than the slow-moving power lift mechanisms just for the sake of simplicity.
Plenty of entertainment space. The cargo compartment has a second smaller bar-sized fridge, a counter space plus some cabinet space. So you could use this as a place to entertain friends along with the patio deck that comes from laying the ramp door flat.
On the Outside
All-weather capabilities. For those who camp in the cold, this fifth-wheel toy hauler offers holding tanks in a heated underbelly, plus 12-volt heating pads on the tanks.
Safe and scenic patio. The ramp door on this trailer features a surround that forms a fence of sorts plus a provision to set the door horizontally so you can use the ramp door as a patio deck. There is also a glass patio door with bug screens called a three-season door so you can go in and out. This makes a great place for entertaining, particularly if you’re camped somewhere with a great view. These are also good to contain pets or smaller children which allows them to go in and out but still staying within the confines of the camper.
Challenges
Complex features. The unusual inside slide that optimizes cargo or living space is certainly unusual and additional complexity that may put some prospective owners off.
Cable-slide mechanisms. All five slide rooms on this RV use cable-slide mechanisms, which some buyers voice apprehensions about. They are fine, and my experience with them has been positive. But they do require occasional attention.
Build quality inconsistencies. Some of the items in this trailer have a very entry-level feel to them which flies in the face of the MSRP of this rig.
I don’t have any beef with cable-slide mechanisms, but some people do.
Best For
While the obvious use of any toy hauler is to haul toys, the large, open space and drop-down patio make an RV like this ideal for those camping in beautiful places with a patio deck to observe them.
An RV with this flexible an open space is also a great choice for those who work on the road or have hobbies that might be made more enjoyable in a larger, open space.
For travelers with families the cargo bay can also serve as a second place for members of the family to spend time without being with the whole group. It also could be a great place for entertaining with the patio deck and bar-sized fridge.
Key Areas We Evaluate for RV Buyers
Sleeping Space
Being a typical fifth-wheel toy hauler, there is a bedroom upstairs over the pin box. This one features a king-size bed in a road-side slide room. Interestingly, that bed has a drop-down, armrest-like padded bolster on either side of the bed with a cup holder. I’m not sure that this is something you’d want to leave down all night, but you could. (Especially if you want a secure drink close by.)For those campers who require a medical device (like a CPAP) to sleep at night, there is a small shelf on which to put that. There’s also a household power outlet overhead.
But the most unusual feature in this upstairs bedroom is a projector that projects onto a drop-down screen that doubles as the window shade on the camp side. This certainly has the potential to be a polarizing feature, but personally, I really like it.
Downstairs, there is a couch that can extend to become a bed. In the cargo bay of the Vengeance Rogue Armored 341GS11, there is an overhead bed that is held up by struts. Pulling the bed down is really easy and quick. It’s also easy to return to the stored position. I think this is much easier than a power lift mechanism, if only because it’s so quick.
Great view of the bedroom.
Look at this underbed storage.
A four-drawer cabinet offers more storage. You can also see the nifty projector screen.
Here, you can see upper bunk in the cargo area lowered into place for sleep.
Bathroom
The bathroom, on the upper deck, features a large walk-in shower with an elaborate spa-style shower head. There is a porcelain foot flush toilet and a bit of space on the cabinet that the small round-bowl sink resides in. This is along the lines of what you would expect in a fifth-wheel toy hauler — which means nice, but not a big surprise.
A high-performance overhead fan — a welcome convenience.
Here’s a better look at that spa-style shower head.
The bathroom features a porcelain toilet and elaborate shower head.
Living Area
Inside the Vengeance Rogue Armored 341GS11, I discovered one of the most unusual features I’ve ever seen in any RV — a slide inside the toy hauler itself. That slide is located on the back wall of the main living space which divides the living space from the cargo bay. It’s entirely inside the RV. In other words, the slide is not on an exterior wall, but an interior wall.
By extending that slide, you add more space to the main living area of the Vengeance Rogue Armored 341GS11. In doing so, you remove the same amount of space from the cargo hold. Reversing it does just the opposite. The idea is to have a large cargo hold during transit and then use this to optimize the main living space once the garage has cleared out a bit.
There’s a flip-up table in this slide, which is the principal dining provision in this camper. It also comes with two bar-height stools that have short backs on them.
Beyond that Innovative Slide: Recliners, Zebra Blinds, and More
There’s also a three-place couch in the main living space that features recliner function for the outside two seating positions. (Another bonus to the recliners? Heated seating surfaces.) There are also cup holders that feature USB power outlets.
The window shades in the Vengeance Rogue Armored 341GS11 are what are referred to as zebra shades with alternating dark and light sections. The nice thing about these is that you can vary the amount of light you let in by drawing the shades so that the lighter sections are more or less blocked by the darker stripes.
Across from the couch is a larger TV and a fireplace.
View of the living area and kitchen with the cargo bay behind you.
The three-place couch has power outlets and heating.
View of the living area looking toward the cargo bay. Here, you can see the zebra blinds and a two-place bar-style dining table, which is part of that innovative interior slide.
The main cargo area transforms to a very pleasant living space. It also comes with these reclining chairs, which you can move around.
Kitchen
For those who enjoy being the road chef, the kitchen in the Vengeance Rogue 341GS11 will be a good place to practice that craft. The camp-side wall features a three-burner stove with larger oven and a good-size microwave. The 12-volt fridge features a French door design with two freezer drawers.
There’s also a multi-function sink incorporates provisions for draining and washing veggies, a glass rinser, and a pull-out faucet/sprayer. The peninsula in which the sink is located also affords decent counter space, as does the bulkhead counter. Drawer space is plentiful all around.
For more storage, the wall on which the TV and fireplace are located is also a door which, when opened, reveals a substantial pantry. There is also a second mini bar-sized fridge in the cargo bay of this toy hauler. (That fridge is found on the back side of the slide room I mentioned.)
Nice angle of the kitchen. You can see there is an island where the kitchen sink is.
The pantry behind the fireplace and TV offers a good amount of space.
A look inside the large, 12-volt fridge.
Plenty of drawer and cabinet storage in the kitchen.
Four-Season Capabilities
Winter camping is a definite strong suit for this trailer. There is an enclosed underbelly that’s also heated. Plus, there are 12-volt heating pads on all the holding tanks. Even the cargo compartment has a furnace duct so that space is heated. This RV comes with two air conditioners with the ability to add a third unit.
In addition, the Vengeance Rogue Armored 341GS11 is clearly meant for off-grid camping or boondocking. While these are options, the model we saw featured 300 watts of solar and a 2,000-watt inverter which will run most of the household appliances and systems in the RV. But, for those times that you need even more power, this model is fit with a 6,000-watt generator.
I suspect that many of the people who choose this RV are going to want this type of capability. And it’s exceptional that this caliber of functionality is available as a factory-installed option. I also like the 158 gallons of freshwater capacity. Many’s the time I’ll be camping off the grid, and its lack of water that brings me in off the road, not lack of power.
Awesome to have an onboard, 6,000-watt generator.
Storage Space
Of course, the most obvious storage spot in this fifth-wheel toy hauler is the very large garage. Even so, there is also a rather sizable storage bay in the front of this RV, common in most fifth wheels. That space is also heated and has motion sensing lighting in it.
Front access to the passthrough storage.
The controls for the auto level are in the front passthrough storage.
Nice overhead cabinet space in the kitchen.
Chassis/Suspension
I like that the Vengeance Rogue Armored 341GS11 comes with a number of better components, including the MORryde CRE3000 suspension upgrade. This is a package of pieces that allows for greater dampening of vibration and harshness coming through to the RV which, arguably, would help it last longer.
The upgrade also includes what are called wet bolts which simply means that they can be greased which promotes longer life of the components – also a plus. Although that means you actually have to grease them.
Build Quality
Quick lead-in here about slides. When I worked as a warranty manager at an RV dealership, we sold a lot of RVs with cable-operated slides. During that time, I don’t recall having issues with them. However, it should be said that there is a lot of “buzz” on the internet from people who do not like cable slide mechanisms. So, if you’re one of those people, you should probably know that all four of the slide rooms in this toy hauler are cable slides.
The walls in RVs like this are made up of various layers including an outer layer of fiberglass and an inside wall board. Between those layers are welded aluminum studs with block foam inserts. It has traditionally been a wood product used just inside the walls called lauan but this material can get damaged if even the smallest amount of water leaks in. However, the Vengeance Rogue Armored 341GS11 uses a product called Azdel. This man-made product is unaffected by water. Further, Azdel offers better sound insulation properties.
On the exterior, a buyer should note one area where there were clear corners looked cut: the baggage doors. These are rather thin and use low-grade camlock closures.
Garage
As mentioned, the in-RV slide system found in the Vengeance Rogue Armored 341GS11 is beyond interesting — it’s innovative. When the slide is retracted into the main living space for travel, that means 11 feet of garage space is available.
The example I saw had a carpet that could be rolled up. When unrolled, this really made the cargo hold of the trailer feel very inviting. So, even if you don’t use this model for hauling toys, it has enormous potential as a great office … or playroom … or place to practice hobbies. (Particularly if those hobbies require more space.)
Reinforcing the potential for this space as an office, there is an entry door into the cargo area as well. So, this space could be completely emotionally detached from the main living area. Add that bar-sized fridge that’s on this side of the slide room and voila! Now you could entertain clients or friends in here.
A Better Kind of Bed Assist
Most toy haulers have what is called a HappiJac system, which hangs couches and a bed on chains and uses a power lift mechanism to raise and lower them. But this toy hauler has something different. The four struts on the corner of the bed assist in lifting and lowering that bed. Lowering the bed means simply reaching up and pulling it down. I love this because it’s so quick and easy. Also, no power required except the power of you pulling it down. Returning it to stowed position is also a simple task. You just push up on the front and back and you’re done.
There are also two recliners that come with this unit which aren’t attached to the walls. So, you could take them onto the patio deck or into the cargo hold or outside. Having just the bed means no couches in the cargo hold of this trailer. Therefore, I would suggest bringing along your favorite camp chairs for additional seating to the recliners. Then you can choose what you want to put where — the cargo hold, on the patio deck, or outside.
The overhead bunk is on hydraulic struts and is easy to lower into place.
Value
There are a number of features in the Vengeance Rogue Armored 341GS11 that might typically be optional or even aftermarket items in other rigs that are included in this one. However, there are also some corners cut that are unfortunate. (Things like the thin baggage doors with camlocks.) Also, even though all RVs require inspection and maintenance of the seals this doesn’t come with a ladder. Instead, the model offers just a ladder mount with the expectation that you buy your own ladder.
Closing Notes on the Vengeance Rogue Armored 341GS11
Something I saw noted in a video on the company’s website is the inclusion of magnetic graphics that one can place on their tow vehicle to match the swoops and swirls of the graphics on the trailer. I’m not sure who asked for this, but you get this just the same.
Also, while some aspects of this trailer have a nicer feel others tell more of a story of entry-level features.
That indoor slide also has an electronic safety feature where the table has to be folded in order for the slide to work, so that the table doesn’t come into contact with the camp-side slide that holds the couch. But this is such an unusual feature, I would want to know where this is in the event that it stops functioning.
The windows in this are something I’ve seen other offerings from the brand use. They feature a somewhat mirrored finish which effectively reduces heat and UV rays inside the trailer. However, it can also cause consternation from other campers due to the limited but still discernible reflectivity.
Great Off-Grid — but Also Inside
There is a 6000-watt generator built into this trailer that can draw from the 30-gallon onboard gas tank. That tank also has a gas pump handle, so you could fuel-up the toys this is meant to haul. (It also means that you don’t have to haul them with much fuel in them.) Combine that generator with the large freshwater holding tank, and you have a fifth-wheel toy hauler that could be a serious boondocking machine.
Overall, the Vengeance Rogue Armored 341GS11 is certainly a solid RV. With a good number of very usable features, it particularly might serve some families very well with its separation of the main living space and the cargo area sleeping/living space. This would also be a good RV for those who love to entertain, particularly with that bar-size fridge and counter in the cargo area that also provides access to the patio deck.
A Note on the RV Trader Review Process
RV Trader asked RV shoppers what was most important to them in their RV buying process. Potential buyers — like you — helped us to identify a list of six key areas that camping and travel enthusiasts always look at when they’re searching for the perfect RV: sleeping space, bathroom, living area, four-season capabilities, and storage space.
The RV Trader team then got to work providing you with honest and unbiased evaluations. If you’re wondering, that’s where I came in. As an RV expert and enthusiast, I provide an honest look at RVs from an RV industry insider perspective.
If you’re in the business of shopping for a teardrop trailer, who could blame you? Easy-to-tow, lovely to look at, and more affordable than many of their larger peers, teardrops have a certain it factor that appeals to newbies and long-time RVers alike. But teardrops also live in a weird world of fuzzy definitions. Think of questions like this: Is a squaredrop technically a teardrop? But the bigger question remains: Which ones should you be looking at? Well, one of the best places to start is with the most popular teardrop trailers.
So, putting teardrops under a big, inclusive (looking at you, squaredrops) here’s a collection of seven of the most popular teardrop trailers t — and the features that make these models so attractive.
Bean Trailer Bean Stock 2.0
If you’ve been shopping for a teardrop, you have likely come across Bean Trailer. The company makes models, like the Bean Stock 2.0, starting at $19,999, but they have variations that can be outfitted with elaborate solar and storage systems. So, as you might expect, the price can reach into the mid $40,000s.
Starting at the front of the trailer, all Bean teardrops (there are four different models) come with a large platform in the center of which is a battery box and a receiver hitch to which you can mount a bike rack or other storage provision. The large, flat surface can be used to stand on if you need to get to the roof. (Or more likely, to store things on like boxes or totes and such.) There is a raised rail and openings around which you can hook straps or bungees or whatever.
Inside you’ll find the usual futon-like bed cushions but under them are compartments in the floor for additional storage. But my favorite feature in the Bean offerings is the fact that the cabinet you access in the kitchen area can also be accessed from the sleeping quarters of the trailer in a passthrough design.
The kitchens in these go from very simple to rather complete. You can get basically a space for your gadgets or a fully outfitted kitchen. Some people who are shopping for this style of trailer are coming from tent camping and already have lots of camping gear so it makes sense that you have multiple choices.
The Escapod TOPO2 Voyager is a teardrop that is popular because of how it’s designed. But it might be even more attractive based on how it’s built. The company is unique in that it builds its own axle-less suspension. This enables these little teardrops to be able to traverse some ground that might surprise you. But a great suspension also allows them to tow better on smooth roads. Additionally, the body of the TOPO2 Voyager is built differently — using a fiberglassing process that was inspired by the aircraft industry. Essentially, the company put in the components that make the shell and then use a vacuum-infusing process so that the whole shell is a very rigid and complete unit.
Escapod builds a number of variations on the base theme, but all universally have a queen-sized bed in the main sleeping space. This is made to feel more open thanks to a window over the bed, which can be opened. (A nice touch.)
Out back, as you would expect, is the kitchen area. The Escapod TOPO2 Voyager has a nifty plastic table that serves as a cover for the shelves when the trailer’s in motion. However, it can also hang off the wheel well once you’re ready to camp. Like the rest of the cabinetry, this is a composite material.
Escapod offers models with more elaborate kitchens as well as simpler offerings. For example, the Nomad, a different model than the TOPO2 Voyager, offers a pressurized water system and propane cooktop. There is also a MTB is specifically outfitted for those who enjoy bicycling with a tool kit and provisions to bring your bikes along.
nuCamp has been building their teardrop-style trailers for 20 years now and has achieved quite a level of success. The company makes a variety of models that can be called teardrops from the very traditional T@G teardrops to the more elaborate T@B series.
The traditional T@G models are exactly what you’d expect in a teardrop. Front bedroom. Rear outdoor kitchen. The company makes two variants on the T@G theme, a standard and an XL. The larger XL model offers an additional foot of interior space in the bed area.
One of the things that’s very uncommon but is available in these models is heat and air conditioning. nuCamp has placed an air conditioner in the wall between the outside kitchen and bedroom space of this teardrop so you can camp comfortably in more kinds of weather.
The company also makes larger trailers that are also teardrop-shaped including the T@B400, which I had a chance to review. While this still has the traditional teardrop shape, it’s actually a proper travel trailer with an indoor kitchen, bedroom and even a bathroom. All of the nuCamp models are available with more advanced solar and battery systems
Forest River’s Flagstaff division is unusual — they offer everything from pop-up simple tent trailers to rather lavish fifth wheels and premium travel trailers. One common item is that all their offerings are built in their Millersburg, Indiana facilities, which has a predominantly Amish workforce. The company also tends to favor higher-quality components even in their more affordable offerings.
Such is the case with the Flagstaff E-Pro E12SA. This is a teardrop-style trailer — even if it is not teardrop shaped —with an open back that has the kitchen. That kitchen includes a larger 12-volt refrigerator and also a convection air fryer microwave. There’s also a pressurized water system that has a water heater. Another standard feature is a flat-top griddle. (I have this same griddle in my own trailer and have used it a lot.)
Taking advantage of the larger profile of this trailer, the living area features a raised bed that can be a couch by day and the bed by night. This also is outfitted with air conditioning — not typical.
In talking to the folks at Ember RV, the thinking of the 12RK is to create a squaredrop trailer but with most of the kitchen components as options. Why? Ember Cofounder Christopher Barth told me that many of the people buying this sort of trailer are upgrading from a tent and already have much of the kitchen items they’re comfortable with.
As such, there are kitchen, solar, awning, and other items available; but the base price of this new smallest Ember RV offering is very, very attractive at $17,491. However, you can get a pressurized water system with a water heater and a flat-top griddle.
One of the most unusual trailers in this collection is the Polydrops P19 Shorty. The company was founded by architecture student Kyunghyun Lew and his wife, Jieun. After visiting from Korea and traveling in a teardrop, they sought to use their skills as architecture students to build something different and better insulated. Such is the Polydrops trailer.
Among the unusual things about this model, aside from the insulation, is the fact that the kitchen is an option and is mounted to an optional receiver hitch on the back of the trailer. While this certainly simplifies things in some ways, it’s a different way of thinking about a teardrop. Another unusual consideration is that the company has incorporated aerodynamics as part of the design consideration.
While the Safari Condo Alto R1713 mimics the shape of a teardrop trailer, it is truly its own animal. The entire roof can be raised with a hinge at the front of the trailer, so you actually can stand and walk around inside. The space between the roof and the walls (which accommodates the raising) is a row of windows that creates a very open feel inside.
Inside, you’ll find twin beds that can combine to form a king-size bed, a full kitchen, and even a bathroom with a shower. With the top down. you get the aerodynamic profile of a larger teardrop trailer. But, with the top up, you have a spacious and airy trailer.
Notice that almost none of the trailers we’ve listed here have provisions for showers or toilets. This can mean that they’re not permitted at some facilities that require a fully self-contained RV including Harvest Hosts locations, for example.
If you are wanting a toilet, we have a Camco portable toilet that we use when we’re overlanding and using our pickup as a camper. In order not to horrify our fellow campers, we use that in a SylvanSport Privy Bivy tent. This tent can also be used for showers so if you choose a teardrop that has an outside shower, as some of these do, that’s how you can make that work.
However, as always, we highly recommend following the practices of Leave No Trace if you’re camping off the grid. Many of these also offer the ability to mount roof-top tents on them so they can accommodate more than just two people.
RV shipments from manufacturers to dealers are up by 15.9 percent over the same period a year ago, according to a monthly report by the RV Industry Association (RVIA). June’s survey of manufacturers reported 29,332 RVs shipped in June this year compared with 25,308 in the same period in 2024. Year-over-year, 2025 RV shipments are up 190,705 units. This 6.8 percent increase….
Closer Look at June’s 2025 RV Shipments
Following an industry trend, towable RVs remain the clear leader in sales. These types of RV ended the month with a 15.3 percent gain from 26,532 units shipped. Motorized RVs saw a 22.4 percent jump from a smaller set of sales with 2,800 units compared to last June.
However, motorized shipments are still down in total for the first six months of the 2025. In the year-to-date, 18,664 motorized units have shipped compared to 19,189 for the same period last year — a 2.7% decrease overall. All three types of motorized RVs shared similar numbers. Class As are down 3.3 percent; Class Cs are down 2.1 percent; and Class Bs are down 3.9 percent in 2025.
Among towable units, travel trailers led the numbers with 20,730 units shipped, marking a 13.9 percent increase. Fifth wheels followed with 5,157 units shipped and a 19.9 percent increase.
What’s Moving the RV Shipment Numbers Upwards
In a number of reports retail sales have actually declined with many dealerships reporting a significant drop in sales. So, what’s going on?
Many RV companies are hoping to ship units before any tariffs kick in. RV companies are also introducing new models and new floorplans for 2026, some of which have had features and equipment reduced to be more attractive price-wise.
With shipments up but sales down, this is a great time for buyers to jump on this trend as many dealerships are making very attractive deals. One of the reasons sales are down are interest rates but aligning with a local credit union might be a great insider tip to finding a better loan rate.
RVIA President and CEO Craig Kirby says, “This past month new 2026 model year units started arriving on dealer lots as manufacturers and suppliers continue to innovate and improve RVs to meet the needs and preferences of today’s RVers at every price point. With owners using their RVs more than ever before, the RV lifestyle continues to bring joy and adventure to millions of families, friends, and solo travelers this summer.”
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!
