8 Best RVs for Traveling with Dogs

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One of the many truths about the RV community is their love of pets. While a 2022 study from Going RV shows that only 26% travel with their pets compared to the 2018 RVIA study that had that number at 65%, dogs and cats are still traveling the country with their human families. The majority of those RV pet people are living in an RV with a dog. So, of course, we wondered: What are the best RVs for traveling with dogs? Here is our list!

1. Happier Camper HC1 Fiberglass Travel Trailer
2. Forest River Cherokee Alpha Wolf 26RB-L Travel Trailer
3. Keystone Outback 291UBH Travel Trailer
4. Brinkley Model Z 2900 Fifth Wheel
5. Grand Design Momentum M-Class 395MS Fifth Wheel Toy Hauler
6. Thor Motor Coach A.C.E. 29D Class A Gas
7. Fleetwood Flex 34J Class A Motorhome Gas
8. Newmar Ventana 3709 Class A Motorhome Diesel

If you look up antique RVs (1910-1944), you’ll see pictures of early campers with their dogs. Anthropologists are continuing to find new insights into the symbiotic relationship early human beings had with proto-dogs within their camps. It can be argued that it’s almost a genetic calling for us to travel with our four-legged fur babies.

In this exploration, we’re going to examine the eight best RVs for traveling with dogs. We’ll show you how their specifications and features were tailor-made with your canine companion in mind. While we look through these RVs, there are some tips we’ll share to make everyone’s camping experience rewarding.

RVBlogger’s Best RVs for Traveling With Dogs

1. Happier Camper HC1 Travel Trailer: You and Your Dog Adventuring Together

Our Pros and Cons

✅ The all-fiberglass interior shell is easy to clean and has a drain in the floor

⛔ Many of the specialty cubes are sold separately

• Length: 31′ 5″
• UVW: 1,100 lbs.
• GVWR: 3,500 lbs.
• CCC: 2,400 lbs.
• Tongue Weight: 110 to 150 lbs.
• Sleep: 5

The Happier Camper HC1 is definitely a happier camper, with its teardrop size and incredible interior versatility. If it’s just you and your four-legged friend, the Happier Camper Adaptiv® interior on the HC1 opens up several possibilities in terms of arranging furniture like Legos. 

The fiberglass shell interior and exterior of the Happier Camper are water and pet-odor-resistant. Since the cubes operate as both a bed foundation and storage, your pup will have a place to sleep and ample storage for all of his or her favorite treats, food, dog bowls, and toys. 

It’s a fantastic option for those who aren’t rocking a gigantic truck and lack the towing capacity. It’s lightweight enough for a small SUV to handle. The forward drain makes “accidents” easy to wash out. If your dog likes to sleep under the bed, the modular cubes leave plenty of room for your pup below and you above.

2. Cherokee Alpha Wolf 26RB-L

Our Pros and Cons

✅ The Leash Latch is attached to the steel chassis, not the aluminum frame!

⛔ Turning the dining table into a kennel spot requires unscrewing the table from the wall.

• Length: 32′ 8″
• UVW: 6,143 lbs.
• GVWR: 6,143 lbs.
• CCC: 1,577 lbs.
• Tongue Weight: 720 lbs.
• Sleep: 6

What a fitting name for an RV on a “best RVs for traveling with dogs” list. The Cherokee Alpha Wolf 26RB-L also happens to be the first RV to introduce a nifty exterior leash system. Otherwise known as Leash Latch Pet Safety Technology, it features a triangular latch welded to the chassis. 

In other words, regardless of how enthusiastically your pup may pull at it, it’s not going anywhere. It’s an essential feature in campgrounds, especially heavily populated ones, with neighboring RVs nearly stacked on top of one another. 

There’s another great dog feature as well, and it doesn’t have anything to do with dogs directly. It’s the Alpha Wolf’s open and spacey floorplan. There is plenty of room to move around in, all on a vinyl flooring surface. Even the master bed has plenty of surrounding floor space for your pooch to lie down at night.

3. Keystone Outback 291UBH

Our Pros and Cons

✅ The built-in pet kennel is a great place for small dogs or cats!

⛔ The built-in ladder for the bunk isn’t ideally placed for kids.

• Length: 33′ 8″
• UVW: 6,869 lbs.
• GVWR: 8,209 lbs.
• CCC: 1,340 lbs.
• Tongue Weight: 755 lbs.
• Sleep: 10

If you have a dog that loves to burrow up underneath the bed for sleepy time, you’ll love the Keystone Outback’s interesting dog feature. The Outback 291UBH has a built-in dog kennel directly beneath the master bed. 

It’s the perfect scenario for dog owners whose four-legged friends appreciate the close comfort of under-the-bed sleeping. The Outback is feature-loaded for such a lightweight RV, and it has a distinctly clever floorplan, which is very inclusive for those who walk on four paws. 

The bathroom is a walkthrough, and the RV includes a bunkhouse in case your best friend likes to sleep elevated or with the kiddos. If you’re an RVer couple with more than one dog, everyone will have plenty of options to find their own space. You’ll even have storage space on the top bunk for all of the dog gear!

4. Brinkley Model Z 2900

Our Pros and Cons

✅ Even bigger dog breeds can eat from the dog bowls due to the wide space!

⛔ This is another RV with a fixed kitchen table, so it’s not ideal for big kennels.

• Length: 32′ 11″
• UVW: 11,674 lbs.
• GVWR: 14,495 lbs.
• CCC: 2,821 lbs.
• Tongue Weight: 2,081 lbs.
• Sleep: 4

If there’s one thing RVs tend to lack when it comes to canine accommodations, it’s an easy way to bathe dogs. The Brinkley Model Z 2900 solves that problem, intentionally or not, with a large, open shower perfect for doggy bath time. 

Brinkley definitely had pups in mind when deciding to include a built-in doggy bowl drawer installed on the kitchen island. The drawer and the motion sensor floor lighting solve the “stubbing of toes” problem when looking for a midnight snack in the wee hours of the morning. 

Another benefit to the Model Z 2900 is the massive storage capacity. Especially if you have big dogs and haul around 50 lb bags of dog food, along with the giant bowls to accommodate them.

5. Grand Design Momentum M-Class 395MS Toy Hauler: Your Secret Weapon To The Blue Ribbon

Our Pros and Cons

✅ This toy hauler is great for visiting family and friends, show dog prep, full-timing, or snowbirding!

⛔ The theater seats aren’t in the ideal TV viewing location.

• Length: 43′ 8″
• UVW: 15,600 lbs.
• GVWR: 20,000 lbs.
• CCC: 4,400 lbs.
• Tongue Weight: 2,900 lbs.
• Sleep: 8

If you own the type of dog that loves to lay with you while watching TV, the Momentum M-Class 395MS is a great choice. It has a huge sofa, which is perfect for you and your pup. Who knows? Your canine friend may decide it likes to sleep there as well. It’s certainly big enough. 

Plus, the 395MS is a toy hauler, which means it naturally has some extra space for your pup to roam, especially when you aren’t hauling any toys at the moment. The central vacuum system is excellent and will help you keep the hair under control.

The shower is big enough to accommodate doggy bath time, and the patio is large, with an awning and LED lights. There’s also an optional king-size bed in case your dog is a bed sleeper, and you need the added body warmth.

For those who compete in various dog competitions, the garage space is perfect to prepare your champion. Whether you need a table and an easy-to-clean space for grooming or need to transport equipment, the rear garage has 14 feet of space. There’s even a washer and dryer hookup in there for long circuit travel.

If you need to bring a golf cart for those times when they park you at the back of the parking lot, this toy hauler fifth wheel has the space. There’s even a built-in gas tank for your cart. After all, you can’t have your athlete tired just getting to the front door.

6. Thor Motor Coach A.C.E. 29D Class A Gas

Our Pros and Cons

✅ Every Thor A.C.E. has a dog window and a king bed. No more sleeping on the edge!

⛔ Smart dogs may figure out how to use the sofa to jump onto the kitchen counter.

• Length: 30′ 9″
• Engine: Ford 7.3L V8 Triton Gas
• Chassis: Ford F-53
• GVWR: 18,000 lbs.
• Tow Capacity: 8,000 lbs.
• Sleep: 8

RVers who are also dog owners come up with a variety of ways to accommodate their canine friends for the road. The Thor ACE 29D does all RVers one better by including a dog window in the co-pilot leg well. 

This big window will accommodate any size dog so they can have their own view of the world and chill out while you’re tooling down the road. The ACE 29D also comes with a big enough shower to take care of bath time without making too much of a mess. 

In terms of space, there’s plenty of it. A full-wall slide immensely opens up the floor space once you’re parked. This uninterrupted wide floor plan from the back of the pilot seat to the taillights gives your dog plenty of room to figure out their favorite spot.

Although you may have to remind them who’s in charge when you want to sit down on the comfy full sofa behind the pilot seat.

7. Fleetwood Flex 34J

Our Pros and Cons

✅ This motorhome has the most dog-friendly features in a gasser!

⛔ The only thing missing is the dog bowl drawer.

• Length: 36′
• Engine: Ford 7.3L V8 Triton Gas
• Chassis: Ford F-53
• GVWR: 22,000 lbs.
• Tow Capacity: 8,000 lbs.
• Sleep: 9

The Fleetwood Flex 34J has more than enough space to keep a big or medium-sized dog pretty happy. Or, maybe you had an entire brood of little dogs. The 34J will keep them comfortable as well. If you’re a longtime dog owner, you probably know that even the most excitable dogs love to lie down. 

Fortunately, they will have their pick of places to relax. This gasser has an open floor plan, though the bath is a little on the small side. Fortunately, there’s plenty of floor space surrounding the master bed as well, so your pup will have plenty of choices.

The roadside bunk bed is also a good option for your canine friend. The lower bunk provides ample room and cushioning. If your dog likes to watch TV with you, there’s more than enough room to curl up and keep your toes warm or hop up on the couch if you’re riding solo.

8. Newmar Ventana 3709

Our Pros and Cons

✅ Don’t be surprised if your dog sleeps in front of the electric fireplace on cold nights.

⛔ Bigger dogs will have to get their bath outside since the shower isn’t large enough.

• Length: 37′ 10″
• Engine: 6.7L I6 Cummins B
• Chassis:
  • Freightliner: Freightliner XCR- Standard
  • Spartan: Spartan K1- Optional
• GVWR: 38,200 lbs.
• Tow Capacity: 8,000 lbs.
• Sleep: 9

There’s just something so picturesque and homelike when a dog curls up in front of the fireplace while you catch some screen time with the TV. That’s certainly an option on the Newmar Ventana 3709.

One thing is for sure; there will be plenty of cushions for your pup to lie on if you don’t mind your puppies lying on the furniture. There’s more than enough room on the Ventana to support a whole fleet of large dogs. Well, maybe not a fleet, but you get the point. 

The corner shower is large enough to give medium to small dogs a good cleaning without wrecking half the bathroom and your sanity. However, very large dogs might be a bit much, regardless of how still they stand. Overall, if you’re looking for space and luxury for your furry partner, there’s plenty to offer with the Newmar Ventana.

Preparing Your Dog for the RV Lifestyle

If you’ve never taken an RV trip with the family dog in tow, it’s a new experience for both of you, even if you’re more than familiar with RVing. It’ll take some getting used to for both of you. Fortunately, dogs are smart, and getting prepped for the trip shouldn’t be too difficult. 

One of the best things you can do is introduce your dog to the RV while it’s still parked weeks before you go on the trip. Let them have free space to roam and explore. Make sure they’re familiar with it, along with the exit. 

Start taking your dog on car rides with you as well. Sure, it’s not an RV but a car ride will give your pooch some idea of life on the road and what it feels like to take a trip. Feed it treats every now and then so it learns to associate the trip with happiness. 

If your dog has any kind of anxiety or behavioral issues, it’s a good idea to work with a dog trainer and your veterinarian to get those issues ironed out long before you hit the road. Remember to take plenty of breaks once you hit the road and keep your pup’s routine in place as much as you can. 

Last but not least, be sure to have all of your pet’s shots up-to-date with a current dog tag on their collar. You’ll want to also have a second tag with your contact information and an active dog chip in your dog. Using a GPS device like the Apple AirTags is perfect for this occasion in case they get loose.

6 Steps To Make My Dog Comfortable In My RV

A common method for more secure dogs is a week to two-week-long process that slowly introduces them to your RV. The key is a lot of positive reinforcement. You’ll want to normalize the new RV with familiar scents.

1. Add Familiar Scents To Your RV

Before you bring your dog out, place their soft toys, bed, and some of your dirty laundry in the RV. It seems weird, but all of these items have familiar scents in them.

2. Let Your Dog Inspect The RV’s Exterior

Bring your dog out on their leash and let them explore the outside of the coach. Keep the entry door open and a scent item at the top of the entry. They may not enter on the first day but keep encouraging them until they climb up on their own.

3. Your Dog Will Want To Smell Everything Inside

Once inside, they’re going to sniff everything, so make sure you secure anything potentially dangerous. If you don’t want them jumping on certain things, place items to block those areas. Make sure you spread scent items throughout the coach to encourage exploration.

4. Comfort Your Dog To The Many RV Sounds

Once comfortable, if you’re traveling with your dog in a motorhome, turn on the engine and let it idle. Keep the entry door closed. Your dog may become scared, so comfort them and see them through the fear.

Do the same thing with the water pump and other new sounds they won’t know.

5. Take Your Dog On A Short Trip Around The Block

Now that your pup is comfortable with the RV in one spot, take them on a drive with or in the RV. Even if you have a travel trailer, hook it up to your tow vehicle. The car ride will feel very different to them, so you want the trip to feel as real as possible. Have another person with you to work with your dog so you’re not distracted while driving.

6. Remind Yourself, He or She Will Normalize

After a week or so, two things will happen. First, your RV driving skills will improve. Second, your dog will start to normalize and may even start looking forward to the RV ride. If your pet’s anxiety becomes significantly worse, you should contact your veterinarian or a dog trainer for expert assistance.

How to Find Dog-Friendly Campgrounds

One of the best ways to find dog-friendly campgrounds is to utilize RV Trip Wizard. This site is a conglomeration of RV information, including over 20,000 reviews of campgrounds across the country, map routes with RV-friendly stops of all kinds, campground affiliations, trip cost calculations, and the all-important dog information you need to know ahead of time.

How to Find Pet-Friendly RV Rentals

It’s really easy to find pet-friendly RV rentals on Outdoorsy or RVshare. All you have to do is check the pet-friendly RV rental filter, and voila! All of the dog-friendly RV rentals will pop up.

Best Practices When Camping With Your Dog

Many of the unspoken rules you should abide by at home also apply while camping. If you walk your dog, having a pooper scooper or bags handy is always a good idea. No one wants to step on that mess while out on their morning jog. 

Keep your dog leashed. In many states, there are leash laws for public areas, and it’s just about guaranteed that campgrounds and parks also have leash rules. If you have to leave your RV for any reason, be sure to leave your dog with something to occupy themselves. 

It mostly just boils down to common sense and courtesy. As far as your RV is concerned, never leave your dog alone in the RV with the power off or the AC/heater not running. Extreme temperatures, especially heat, can quickly kill a dog.

Is Your Dog Safe in the RV When You’re Away?

So long as your RV is secure and you can monitor the temperature, it’s not different than leaving your dog home alone at a house. Just like in a regular home, ensure that items are secured (items you might be concerned the dog will chew on). 

If it’s your first trip with your canine in an RV, you may want to make your first few trips close to home. Let your dog get used to the RV lifestyle and all the fun (and smells) they can enjoy. The more comfortable they are in the RV, the less complicated it’ll be when he or she is alone.

Traveling With Your Show Dog

RVs make for excellent transportation vehicles for show dogs. This is especially true if you’re rocking a toy hauler with all that extra grooming space and special care. However, an RV is still fantastic even if you don’t have a toy hauler. 

If you think about it, a dog traveling in comfort in an RV is more apt to be ready for showtime than if your furry pal just spent the last 12 hours crammed in the backseat of a Tesla. RVs simplify everything, especially with all the necessities for preparation right there, at your fingertips. 

You have showers or bathtubs, room for grooming, storage space for carrying all of your show prep tools, and it’s also more beneficial to you. The trainer is as big a part of the show as the dog, and it’s much more difficult to rent an Airbnb or hotel room than rolling up in your own RV.

What’s The Best RV For Traveling With Dogs?

Every dog has a unique personality, so the best RV for traveling with dogs is the one that best accommodates you and your canine. Whether you need plenty of space, a large shower, garage space for grooming, a kennel, or a setup that accommodates your best friend’s status, there’s an RV for that. The good news is the above RVs are some of the best.

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