If you want to buy an RV and save money, you have come to the right place. We all know the perks of owning an RV, especially if you are an outdoor enthusiast.
Unlike most vehicles, RVs are more than just a means to a destination. RVs guarantee an unforgettable experience whether you are interested in a weekend getaway or want to live life on the road.
Most buyers look for RVs with useful amenities and quality features. However, price is also a key factor to consider when RV shopping. So, which are the cheapest RVs you can buy? We have researched the market, and here are the most affordable RVs categorized by class.
Different RV Types Have Varying Costs
Those who have never owned an RV may not be sure which class RV is perfect for their needs. There are different RVs, and each class has its price range.
If you are searching for an affordable RV, it is crucial for you to know the different classes and their costs so that you can narrow down your search.
RVs, also known as motorhomes, are categorized into the following classes;
- Class A (Costs $50,000 to $200,000)
These are the biggest motorhomes in the market and are equipped with all amenities you will find in a typical home. Class A RVs tend to be pricey, but we will list some affordable options for you. They measure around 21 to 45 feet long.
- Class B (Costs $60,000 to &190,000)
Mostly referred to as campervans, these are full-sized vans with a raised roof to allow occupants to walk freely. They are smaller than Class A motorhomes but often include useful amenities designed to facilitate life on the road. Class B RVs are suitable for one or two travelers.
- Class C (Costs $50,000 to $150,000)
Often built on vans or trucks, Class C motorhomes are midsize RVs that can accommodate families. They have all the features of Class A but are smaller and more affordable. They contain kitchens, foldable beds, and other amenities.
- Teardrop Trailer (Costs $12,000 to $20,000)
It falls under towable trailers and resembles a teardrop or egg. Most teardrop trailers are lightweight, aerodynamic shaped, and inexpensive.
- Travel Trailer (Costs $12,000 to $50,000)
They are large containers that have been designed as living spaces. Like teardrops, they are often towed and slightly cheaper than Class A or B.
- 5th Wheel Trailers (Costs $25,000 to $100,000)
This trailer features a large gooseneck connected to the towing vehicle, preferably a truck with a flatbed. It also contains a wide range of amenities and ample living space.
Which Type of RV is the Most Affordable?
The cheapest class of RVs is the teardrop trailer. Most trailers are affordable examples include the teardrop, 5th wheel, and travel trailers.
Class A RVs are the most expensive. Class B and C are a tad cheaper because they are smaller.
Now that you know the different classes of RVs and their average costs. Here is an in-depth review of the most affordable motorhomes in 2022.
The 6 Most Affordable RVs in the Market
- The Coachmen RV Pursuit 27XPS (Average Price – $140,000)
Features: Class A Motorhome, 29′ Long, 12′ High, 16,000lbs, 6 Person Capacity.
Generally, Class A RVs are quite pricey. However, this is the most affordable Class A motorhome you can buy for your RVing escapades. The manufacturer, Coachmen, has been in this business for six decades.
During that period, they have gained recognition as a leading manufacturer of motorhomes.
The 27XPS looks great both on the interior and exterior. It has a dinette, sofa, LED TV, and a satellite dish. This means you are well entertained as you live life on the road. At the front, there is a 10″ touchscreen that features Android Auto Link and Apple Car Play.
It has a charging station for mobile phones and other electronic gadgets. There is a bedroom equipped with shelves for storage.
Being a Class A motorhome, you can expect a bathroom with a flush toilet and a separate shower with a skylight.
Considering the features and low price tag, this is the most affordable Class A motorhome you can buy.
Pros
• Enough room for four to six travelers
• Excellent entertainment system
• Guaranteed comfort (sofa plus bed)
• It comes with a stainless-steel fridge
Cons
• They are in high demand, so finding one requires a thorough search
- The 2022 Pleasure-Way Tofino (Average Price – $80,000)
Features: Class B RV, 4 Person Capacity, 17’9″ Chassis, Overhead Bunk, 3.6L V6 Gasoline Engine
Contrary to popular belief, campervans are equally suitable for anyone with an adventurous spirit.
Take the Tofino, for example. For as little as $80,000, the Tofino comes with an overhead bunk which provides a second sleeping area. This part of the Tofino features a 2″ foam mattress, zippered vents, and lighting controls. Two 100Ah lithium coach batteries power up the van when you camp off-grid.
There is a manual folding sofa that can be converted into a bed. You also get 70 cubic feet of rear cargo space, enough for ferrying lots of camping gear. This small campervan also contains a laminate countertop for food preparation, an AC/DC refrigerator, a sink, and an induction stove.
Its low-price tag is attributed to its minimalistic yet efficient design. This is an excellent choice for RV enthusiasts looking for an affordable Class B RV with essential amenities.
Pros
• The overhead bunk offers more sleeping areas (especially for kids)
• It’s small and easy to maneuver
• It can fit four people (An excellent campervan for families)
• A fully equipped kitchen and refrigerator
Cons
• There is no bathroom on board
- The Thor Freedom Elite 22FEF (Average Price – $93,000)
Features: Class C Motorhome, 6 Person Capacity, 12,500lbs Overall Weight, 11ft High, 24ft Long.
Very few Class C RVs are below the $100,000 price range. That’s not the only thing that makes the 22FEF special. This affordable RV is perfect for a family of four to six. If you enjoy camping as a group, this is a suitable choice because it accommodates many people.
The 22FEF features a well-equipped kitchen and bathroom. That makes it a fully self-contained motorhome that you can travel on without using public washrooms or restaurants.
Besides these features, in the THOR Freedom, you will find a 40-inch TV and a 7-inch dahs radio.
Entertainment-wise, everyone from the driver to the passengers will be sorted.
There are USB, wireless phone chargers, and power outlets in the bedroom and strategic areas in the cabin. The toilet has a flush system.
Here is something that you don’t find in most Class C RVs, a telescoping bunk ladder. If you love watching the stars, this ladder will better your experience.
Pros
• Buyers can choose from the 7.3L Ford Engine or 6L Chevy Engine
• It comes with three water tanks
• Exterior storage of 30.0 cubic feet
• It can comfortably accommodate four persons
Cons
• The radio is a bit complicated to operate
- The Jay Feather Micro 166FBS (Average Price – $21,000)
Features: Travel Trailer, 19’8″ Long, 10’5″ High, 4,995lbs Maximum Weight, 3 Person Capacity.
If the above three most affordable motorhomes don’t fit your budget, we have something that costs way less but can still grant you an ultimate RVing experience.
The Jay Feather Micro 166FBS is a travel trailer. That’s why it’s so affordable. However, it is a tow trailer, and you will need a vehicle to travel around with it.
Please note that the 166 FBS is pretty light and can be towed by most midsize vehicles. What we love most about this travel trailer is the farmhouse interior design.
For those bored with the modern design of most homes, the Jay Feather Micro can take you a few years back in time.
This travel trailer has a flush toilet and an impressive roof vent. The kitchen contains a microwave, a three-burner cooker, and a cabinet for storing supplies.
The floor is made of vinyl, and there are LED lights all over the cabin for ample lighting at night. In this trailer, there is room for solar installation.
Even though it’s a travel trailer, the manufacturers did an excellent job of ensuring durability. The exterior contains fiberglass, aluminum walls, and a Magnum Truss roof. Other than being inexpensive, it will serve you for a very long time.
Pros
• Tinted windows to promote privacy
• Made with durable materials
• A stunning farm-house interior design
• Lightweight and can be towed by most vehicles
Cons
• It must be towed
- iCamp Elite (Average Price – $10,000)
Features: Teardrop Trailer, 14ft Long, 8ft High, 2 Person Capacity, 2,890 Vehicle Weight.
Teardrop trailers are known for their low-price tags. However, the iCamp Elite is a special teardrop trailer. Not only is it the cheapest RV trailer on our list, but it boasts of remarkable features.
Despite its small design, the iCamp has all the features you would find in a typical home. As the name suggests, this trailer incorporates new technology.
The walls are made using a wide range of materials such as Styrofoam, plywood, solid wood, and fiberglass. This guarantees durability.
Inside the iCamp Elite, you will find a bathroom with a toilet and shower. There is an entertainment system that is compatible with iPod. With a height of 5’11”, there is ample room to walk around inside this teardrop trailer freely.
The aerodynamic and lightweight design makes it suitable to be towed by a wide range of vehicles. If you are a solo camper who occasionally steps out with a friend or two, the iCamp Elite is a cost-friendly trailer with many features.
Pros
• Lightweight and aerodynamic design for easy towing
• It has a functional bathroom
• Made using durable materials
• The cheapest travel trailer on this list
Cons
• It’s small
- Keystone Hideout Fifth Wheel (Average Price – $35,000)
Features: 5th Wheel Trailer, 15,000 BTU Air Conditioner, 8 Cubic Foot Refrigerator, 7 Person Capacity, 30 ft Long.
You will fall in love with this 5th wheel trailer when you step inside it. Keystone Hideout has ten-floor plans for 5th wheel trailers. This means you can choose a design that best suits your RVing needs. The floor plans have varying rates.
If you want significant savings, consider the Keystone Hideout 281DBS and 262RES. These options cost around $30,000.
Irrespective of which option you settle for, the Keystone Hideout 5th wheel variants have ample space and the latest interior designs.
You also get a tri-fold sofa, a 15,000 BTU air conditioner, and ample storage for carrying camping gear. Keystone allows you to filter and choose a wide range of useful features for an unforgettable camping experience.
Pros
• Outdoor kitchen
• Bathrooms on board
• Double-size bunks which are practical for big families
• U-shaped dinette perfect for hosting friends
Cons
• It can be tricky to choose a suitable floorplan because they are so many
A Quick Buyer’s Guide for the Best Affordable RVs
Our review would be incomplete without a buyer’s guide to help you make an informed decision. Here are some factors you should consider when shopping for a cost-friendly RV.
• Type – You have to know the different types that exist. This information will help narrow down your choices. Ensure that you consider your RVing needs when evaluating various types.
• Number of Passengers – Are you a solo camper or love hitting the road with friends and family? If you belong in the latter, go for a bigger RV.
• Amenities – The fun you will have on the road will depend on the available amenities. An RV must have a bed, kitchen, and bathroom. Other amenities such as a TV, sofa, or refrigerator are considered extra but contribute to your overall experience. To determine the ideal amenities, consider the destinations you will visit and how long the trips will last.
• Towed vs. Drivable – For RV enthusiasts, you should consider drivable. But a towed version is a better solution if you are an occasional explorer.
• Brand – Certain brands, such as Coachmen, have been around for years. It’s important to look up reviews about the manufacturer’s brand. That will offer more insight into the quality of their RVs.
• Budget – Lastly, you need to consider the budget. It’s very easy for one to overspend on RVs if they are not keen. The price gap is pretty significant across all classes.
Conclusion
Buying an RV can be overwhelming because most options have a high price tag. If you are on a budget, we have researched and listed the most inexpensive RVs in all classes that offer value for money.
If the prices still seem high, you can consider a used RV or converting a van or truck into one. Also, if you are unsure about which class or type of RV is best for you, try renting. It will give you a preview of the type you are most comfortable with before buying yours.
