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Updated March 20, 2024
There’s a lot of information about RVs on the internet. You’ll see glorious million-dollar rolling palaces, small little travel trailers, and everything in between. How’s anyone supposed to make heads or tails of where to start with so much information? That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the best RVs and campers for beginners in 2024.
We’re going to start you at the absolute RV 101 starting line, without any jargon, and tell you what you really need to know to begin your search for your perfect coach. How can you make one of the second-biggest investments of your life (next to your home or vehicle), if you don’t know if you need to worry about tongue weight or a dinghy?
10 Best RVs and Campers for Beginners in 2024
As you continue your search for a camper, check out our picks for the best RVs and campers for beginners.
1. r-pod RP-153C
- UVW: 2,884 lbs.
- CCC: 1,841 lbs.
- GVWR: 4,725 lbs.
- Hitch Weight: 325 lbs.
- Sleep: 3
This r-Pod may be small but it’s packed with some great features and they’re one of the most popular RVs or campers for beginners. It’s small enough to tow with a small truck or SUV and it comes with a full bath and lots of exterior storage.
The kitchen boasts a two-burner recessed cooktop, convection microwave, large refrigerator, and pantry. You can also enjoy meals together at the dinette or lower the Murphy bed for an enjoyable night’s sleep.
The Azdel composite panels will withstand water damage and the Carefree flooring will make it easy to clean up messes. It has LED exterior lights, outside speakers, and self-adjusting brakes.
There are magnetic door catches to easily keep the door open when you load. This model has a 30-amp service, a 20-pound propane tank with cover, and a high-efficiency roof-mounted air conditioner.
2. Timberleaf Classic
- UVW: 1,500 lbs.
- CCC: 2,000 lbs.
- GVWR: 3,500 lbs.
- Hitch Weight: 150 lbs.
- Sleep: 2
The Timberleaf Classic is small but elegant with well-thought-out features and plenty of beautiful amenities. The fully insulated cabin will keep the elements at bay and there are plenty of colors to choose from if you opt to build your own.
The cabin is outfitted with one of the largest skylights of any teardrop in the industry which gives the inside a spacious feel. You can enjoy the stars as you lay back on your custom-made Colorado Queen mattress.
It’s slightly narrower than a standard mattress to fit the cabin perfectly. The mattress is made of six-inch-thick single-density foam and you can upgrade to a triple-layer, 8-inch foam if you desire.
The cabin also has customized storage cubbies behind the headboard and a shelf for storage. The natural wood folding shelves are there when you want them and the cabinets in the footwell provide even more space.
The beautiful galley features sliding bypass doors, one lower storage drawer, a stove slideout drawer, and under-sink storage. You will also find a built-in sink with a folding faucet and 11-gallon or 17.5-gallon onboard water storage options.
Other options for the galley include a 2-burner cookstove, a locking pull-out tray for the cooler/fridge, and three different cooler/12-volt fridge options. Teardrops make great RVs for beginners!
3. Grand Design Imagine 21BHE
- UVW: 4,698 lbs.
- CCC: 1,697 lbs.
- GVWR: 6,395 lbs.
- Hitch Weight: 456 lbs.
- Sleep: 6
The Grand Design brand is a great option for a beginner RVer and the Imagine is the perfect size for easy towing. It has plenty of room for a family with double-size bunks and a queen Murphy bed. There is a privacy curtain separating the Murphy bed from the rest of the camper. During the day this set-up gives you tons of space for lounging.
The kitchen sports a booth dinette, microwave, pantry, and 10 cu. ft. refrigerator, residential countertops, and a deep-seated stainless steel sink. You will also find shoe storage under the booth dinette. Don’t miss the outdoor kitchen with an outdoor griddle, LP quick connect, and refrigerator.
You will find plenty of room for all your gear with the pass-through storage. Stay off the grid longer with oversized tank capacities, an extra-large 2-inch fresh water drain valve, a ducted AC system, a power tongue jack, and a heated and enclosed underbelly with suspended tanks.
Choose the XLS solar package that comes with a 165-watt roof-mounted solar panel, a 25-amp charge controller, and roof-mounted quick-connect plugs.
Enjoy entertaining with an electric awning with LED lights and exterior speakers to play all the tunes.
4. Cruiser RV Stryker ST2314
- UVW: 7,048 lbs.
- CCC: 4,252 lbs.
- GVWR: 11,300 lbs.
- Hitch Weight: 900 lbs.
- Sleep: 6
If you are looking for RVs and campers for beginners but want a toy hauler, this one may be the answer to your search. The Cruiser RV Stryker is both beautiful and functional.
With features such as opposing sofas with dinette, a dual entry bath, and a 19-foot power awning with LED lights, you can’t go wrong. You get tons of space and storage for living as well as lots of room for your toys with a 102-inch width. With the easy-load 8-foot ramp door you can easily move them in and out.
The main bedroom in this RV features a king bed and dual wardrobes. The toy hauler makes for a great guest bedroom with a power queen bed above the sofas. The optional three-season glass door gives you great outdoor views.
The kitchen features a three-burner range with an oven, a large residential microwave, and an 8 cu. ft. gas/electric refrigerator. There are also dual lounge chairs in the kitchen for more seating. You also have numerous USB ports and 110-volt outlets.
Don’t miss the removable carpet in the garage and the industry-first pet palace under the bed.
The EZ Flex rubberized suspension provides smooth towing on rougher roads and the fiberglass front cap provides better protection as well.
5. Coachmen Clipper 128LS
- UVW: 2,204 lbs.
- CCC: 1,019 lbs.
- GVWR: 3,223 lbs.
- Hitch Weight: 223 lbs.
- Sleep: 6
If you are looking for a small pop-up camper that is easy to tow and store, this Coachment Clipper might fit the bill. Check out this RV that sleeps six with two queen bed fold-outs on either end, as well as the two gauchos in the main part of the camper that convert to a king bed.
There is also room for additional seating and storage that is created by a U-shaped area with the gauchos. The exterior sliding storage box will provide plenty of room to haul tools and gear. There is a bathroom package available in place of the storage. You can also choose an off-road package that includes a flipped axle and 15-inch off-road tires.
When you arrive at your campground, stabilizer jacks will keep you feeling secure. An LP quick connect outside can accommodate your propane for an outside griddle. The patio awning provides shade and the 20,000 BTU furnace allows you to camp during the colder months. Don’t miss the power package that comes with a USB charging port and a 12-volt power fan.
6. Heartland Corterra 28.1BH
- UVW: 6,558 lbs.
- CCC: 2,984 lbs.
- GVWR: 9,542 lbs.
- Hitch Weight: 742 lbs.
- Sleep: 9
While on the larger side of RVs on our list, the Heartland Corterra is still a great option for a first-time RVer. You may want to live full-time in this spacious and luxurious fifth wheel. From the moment you enter this beautiful RV, you will find amenities that will make you say yes to this model
Check out the hidden walk-in pantry for plenty of food storage or plan a get-together utilizing the lighted luxury wine or coffee bar. The kitchen features solid surface countertops and a residential appliance package with a 16 cu. ft. refrigerator and over-the-range microwave.
The bedroom features a king bed with plenty of storage, a large panoramic picture window, and blackout shades.
Warm up your day with an electric fireplace with a hidden storage mantle. This rig also boasts a designer one-piece shower surround, washer and dryer prep, smart TV, and luxury dimmable LED interior strip lighting.
The residential furniture has hidden cup holders and USB charging ports.
Exterior features include an adjustable power awning with LED lighting, heated and enclosed underbelly, aluminum framed sidewalls, a power auto leveling system with hitch memory, motion sensor storage lights, and solar options.
7. Scamp 19
- UVW: 2,800 lbs.
- CCC: 700 lbs.
- GVWR: 3,500 lbs.
- Hitch Weight: 400 lbs.
- Sleep: 6
The Scamp 19 fifth wheel is the largest of the Scamp offerings. It features a queen-sized loft bed with 5-inch cushions and can sleep up to 6 people.
Scamp offers standard and deluxe varieties with three floorplans. The deluxe has a richer interior with all-wood cabinets in your choice of oak or birch. The RV can be configured to your personal choices such as a wet bath, fresh water system, or dry toilet. You can also add a TV, generator, outdoor shower, solar systems, AC and much more.
Standard features include a 2-burner propane stove, sink and cover, dinette which folds down for a bed, and refrigerator.
Outside features include a spare tire and cover, mounted rear jacks, electric brakes, electric tongue jack, 45-amp power converter, outside GFI outlet, grey water tank, 12-volt water pump, 12-volt USB station, tank monitors, water heater and black water tank with the toilet package.
8. Winnebago Travato 59G
- Length: 21 ft.
- Engine/Chassis: Ram ProMaster 280-hp, 3.6L V6 gas engine
- GVWR: 9,350 lbs.
- Tow Capacity: 3,500 lbs.
- Tanks: Fuel- 24 gal/ Fr- 18 gal/ Gr- 14 gal/ Bl- 11 gal
- Sleep: 2
This Winnebago Travato is a beautiful Class B motorhome with plenty of amenities for a solo or couples adventure. It is perfect for getting around a National Park, tooling around town, or hanging out at the campground. There is no need for a tow vehicle.
The wet bath keeps this model self-contained and has a sliding door, a flexible showerhead, a fold-down sink, a toilet with a foot pedal and sprayer, a powered roof vent, and more.
You can easily exit the van at the back after folding up the 49X77 corner bed. This rear area is great for extra living space. Also, check out the inflatable cab bed supported by the cab seats.
The kitchen features a two-door 6 cu. ft. compression-driven refrigerator, a two-burner range with a glass cover, a flip-top countertop extension, and a cold water filtration system. The seats in the living area have an adjustable and removable table and there is also a pedestal with pop-up outlets next to the passenger captain’s chair.
The van is powered by a Ram ProMaster 3.6L V6 engine. You will also find a Truma Combi Eco Plus heating system that can run off of propane or electricity, a Pure3 energy management system on some models, an aluminum running board, and a pet loop attachment for your furry friends. There is plenty of space for all your gear with below-floor storage.
9. Jayco Redhawk SE 22A
- Length: 25.2 ft.
- Engine/Chassis: 6.6L V8, Ford E-450 or Chevrolet 4500
- GVWR: 14,200 lbs.
- Tow Capacity: 5,000 lbs.
- Tanks: Fuel- 57 gal/ Fr- 43 gal/ Gr- 40 gal/ Bl- 32 gal
- Sleep: 4
If you are new to RVing, the Jayco Redhawk is a great option. This smaller Class C is built on a Ford or Chevy Chassis and is easy to drive, park, and get around on city streets or mountain passes.
From the one-piece seamless fiberglass front cap to the stainless steel appliances, you will have a beautiful and functional RV.
In the kitchen, you’ll make great camping meals with the 2-burner cooktop with flush cover, convection microwave, 10 cu. ft 12-volt refrigerator and stainless steel kitchen sink.
Don’t miss the pantry and the Jayco-exclusive, easy operation legless dinette table. The bathroom features a shower with surround and skylight, a stainless steel bathroom sink, and a toilet with foot flush.
Rest up after a day of adventure in the queen size bed, after you tuck the kids into the overhead bunk. Large wardrobes will keep your stuff neatly packed away. The 13,500 BTU ducted AC and the 30,000 BTU auto-ignition furnace will keep you cozy in all kinds of weather.
The Redhawk features heated holding tanks and an optional 200-watt solar panel with dual controller and second house battery.
10. Fleetwood Flair 28A
- Length: 25.2 ft.
- Engine/Chassis: 7.3L V8, Ford F53
- GVWR: 16,000 lbs.
- Tow Capacity: 8,000 lbs.
- Tanks: Fuel- 80 gal/ Fr- 50 gal/ Gr- 37 gal/ Bl- 37 gal
- Sleep: 7
As a beginner RVer, if you choose a Class A, take a look at the Fleetwood Flair. Its drivability will make anyone feel more confident on the road. Its amenities will help you find camping to be a breeze.
This model’s two slide-outs will give you plenty of living space even from a smaller camper. The RV king bed, the hide-a-loft bunk, and the convertible dinette will easily sleep a family with a few friends to ride along.
The private bedroom is directly connected to the corner bathroom for easy access. The bathroom features a shower skylight, medicine cabinet, Showermiser, stainless steel sink, and porcelain toilet with macerator.
Cooking will be a breeze with the residential refrigerator, pantry, three-burner range and theater seating. The Wi-Fi Ranger Sky4 will keep you connected to the outside world.
On the outside, you will find exterior-mounted side view cameras and an LED TV. You will love the cab with a Sony dash radio, a digital dash, reclining/swivel cab chairs, and a workstation at the automotive-style dash. The Bluetooth coach system in the bedroom has exterior speakers for outdoor entertaining.
How to Find the Best RVs and Campers for Beginners
There are several decisions you can make right now to guide your research. Taking this first step is similar to planning your first family vacation to a new destination. You don’t know the area, but you know what you don’t want.
Answering questions like the ones below helps you narrow down the entire spectrum of the RV world to something that’s manageable and focuses your search on those relevant categories that fit your lifestyle.
As you make these decisions, keep a few notepads around to create different lists. As you continue your research, you’ll find you’ll need to make lists on various topics that will take multiple pages. Tech-savvy folks may use their computers or mobile devices to keep their compendium with them.
1. What Kind of RV Lifestyle Do You Want to Live?
In the 1920s, a guy named Wally Bynum was quite happy living the #TentLife. Unfortunately, his wife and kids had a few things to say about sleeping in the mud and dirt. Mr. Byum ended up founding the iconic Airstream brand.
With so many manufacturers today, all you have to do is search for the RV that meets your family’s lifestyle needs. Discuss how rough or how glamping (luxury-style camping) all of you would like to enjoy. Talk about the specific features and amenities needed, wanted, and would be nice to have. Put those down on the appropriate list.
2. Are New or Used RVs and Campers Best for Beginners?
Everybody wants that fresh off-the factory-floor RV. Yet, there are advantages when you buy a used coach. RVs depreciate worse than cars. Previous owners add upgrades to the coach. Many “diamonds in the rough” on RV Trader, RVT, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and other private owner websites are worth pursuing.
We feel that used RVs and campers are best for beginners. When we were beginners, we bought a used Class C RV, and then after a few years, we bought a new RV once we were more experienced.
Susan and I bought our Class C RV (below) off of Facebook Marketplace. It was used with under 9,000 miles on it and it cost about the same price as an expensive travel trailer.
In my opinion, newbies should buy a used RV or camper because RVs are not investments. They are like cars and their value typically only goes one way: down. And there is a very high likelihood that the first RV or camper you buy will not be the right RV for you. Most people who buy RVs trade them in for a more suitable model after only two years.
So if you buy a brand new camper chances are you will sell it or trade it in for less than what you paid for it after only 2 years and lose quite a bit of money. The same thing will happen if your first camper is used but you won’t experience as much of a loss since most RVs and campers lose the most value in the first few years.
For more info about the value of campers over time check out our article called Travel Trailer Depreciation: What’s My Travel Trailer Worth?
3. Are Towable or Drivable RVs or Campers Best for Beginners?
Ah, the endless debate. The correct answer is…personal choice. Generally, travel trailers are more budget-friendly, and fans like the idea of detaching their RV from the tow vehicle so they can explore the surrounding area.
Proponents of motorhomes like having full access to the living area while traveling. Many who own motorcoaches toad a dinghy (tow a passenger vehicle) with them, so they don’t have to unhook their RV from the campsite water and electric hookups.
But in my opinion, parking, leveling, setting up, and breaking down are all much easier in a driveable RV. Susan and I have watched countless people with towable travel trailers take 45 minutes or more trying to back in, then get detached and leveled up, and that’s before even beginning the process of hooking up.
Here’s a video we made that shows how easy setup is in a Class C RV.
4. Try Before You Buy an RV
We at RVBlogger can’t stress this enough. Renting a few different RVs from a peer-to-peer company like Outdoorsy, RVshare, or RVezy is the best way for you and your family to determine what category and floorplans are right for you.
You may find bunkhouse travel trailers that are SUV-friendly match well with your lifestyle. If your children are about ready to head out on their own, maybe a couple’s fifth wheel with fold-down furniture will better suit your needs.
When you rent, you have the chance to gain first-hand knowledge of specific features without becoming tied to a significant investment. When you’re ready to buy, you’ll have the experience to back up your decision.
But what if you want to consider a travel trailer or 5th wheel and you can’t tow one? Well, there are travel trailers and 5th wheels you can rent where the owner will deliver and set up the RV right at your campsite! There are even filters on the peer-to-peer RV rental websites so you can narrow down your search.
For example, Susan and I are considering switching from our Class C RV to a 5th wheel. There is no way our Toyota Tacoma can tow a fifth wheel. It’s too small and I don’t have the proper 5th wheel hitch.
So we went onto Outdoorsy and found a 5th wheel with delivery and set up for $100 and the owner is delivering the 5th wheel to our campsite for the weekend. Then he picked it up when we are done.
It’s great because we get to try out the 5th wheel for a weekend to see how we like it BEFORE spending tens of thousands of dollars on a 5th wheel and a bigger pickup truck to tow it.
So we recommend renting some RVs and campers for beginners before you buy to be sure you enjoy RVing before making a larger investment.
Final Words About RVs and Campers For Beginners
Choosing an RV to start your journey might be a bit of a process. Go into the process with enthusiasm and excitement and a list of must-have, need-to-have, and would-love-to-have features.
You might want to rent an RV for a weekend or longer to see what you are comfortable driving or towing. Whatever you choose will be right for you. If not, move on to find the right one.
One good thing about choosing an RV lifestyle, whether full-time or weekend warrior, is you will not be a beginner for very long. There are so many people in campgrounds, on the road, and online that learning about and troubleshooting your RV will just be a step or a click away.
Related Reading:
– Best RV Video Training Courses for Beginners
– How to Setup Your RV Campsite for Beginners
– 25 Beginner Supplies and Accessories for Travel Trailer Camping
– How to Find Cheap RV Rentals Under $100 a Night
Mike Scarpignato – Bio
Mike Scarpignato created RVBlogger.com over five years ago in 2018 to share all we have learned about RV camping.
Mike is an avid outdoorsman with decades of experience tent camping and traveling in his 2008 Gulf Stream Conquest Class C RV and 2021 Thor Challenger Class A motorhome.
We attend RV Shows and visit RV dealerships all across the country to tour and review drivable motorhomes and towable trailers to provide the best evaluations of these RVs in our blog articles and YouTube videos.
We are 3/4-time RVers who created RVBlogger.com to provide helpful information about all kinds of RVs and related products, gear, camping memberships, tips, hacks and advice.
