Summer is here, so it is time to load up the kids and take a road trip. Traveling with an RV can make extended road trips more affordable, but only if you don’t spend too much on your RV.
Fortunately, there are some great RVs that retail for under $25,000. These cheap RVs are all small, towable RVs because there are no new fifth wheels or motorhomes under that price.
Here are five of the best cheap RVs to buy in 2024, starting with the most affordable, according to J.D. Power’s RV values tool.
Forest River Rockwood 19OTG
Suggested List Price: $7,863
Campers looking to purchase an RV for under $10,000 should consider a pop-up camper, like the Rockwood 19OTG. A pop-up camper, also known as a tent trailer, is an RV that combines the features of a traditional camping tent and a travel trailer.
Pop-up campers like the Rockwood consist of a collapsible frame and expandable fabric walls. The camper can be folded into a compact box for travel and “popped up” for camping.
The Rockwood camper’s interior is simple and includes a queen-sized bed, a dinette booth, and storage cabinets. This cheap RV does not have a kitchen or bathroom.
Riverside Retro 511
Suggested List Price: $17,067
Riverside RV’s Retro travel trailers are affordable and super adorable. These modern RVs are designed to mimic the 1950s style.
These campers are available in 11 different exterior accent colors: eight vibrant colors and three neutral tones. The camper’s interior resembles a 1950s diner, with black-and-white checkerboard flooring and colorful cushions.
The 511 is the smallest (and cheapest) Retro travel trailer, measuring under 13 feet long. Its simple interior includes a sofa bed, a wardrobe, and an entertainment center.
Outside, a rear compartment opens to reveal an outdoor kitchen. The kitchen includes a mini fridge, a sink, a microwave, and a two-burner cooktop.
Keystone Hideout Sport 175BH
Suggested List Price: $21,368
The Keystone Hideout Sport is a cheap RV with room for the whole family. This traditional travel trailer is the only bunkhouse model on our list of cheap RVs.
With a front queen bed, rear bunk beds, and a convertible dinette, this RV easily sleeps six people. At 20 feet and 6 inches long, it is also the longest RV on this list.
In addition to all the sleeping space, this floor plan includes a full 3-piece bathroom and a kitchen with a microwave, mini fridge, sink, and a two-burner cooktop.
The Hideout also comes equipped with Keystone’s SolarFlex 220 package. This package includes a 220-watt solar panel on the roof and inverter prep, so the camper is ready for dry camping adventures.
KZ Sportsmen Classic 130RB
Suggested List Price: $22,675
The Sportsmen Classic 130RB is a top affordable travel trailer because it packs many comforts into a small package. This model is under 17 feet long and has a GVWR of under 3,000 pounds.
When budgeting for a travel trailer RV, campers must also consider the cost of a tow vehicle. As an ultra-lightweight travel trailer, the Sportsmen does not require a heavy-duty tow vehicle.
The floor plan includes a full kitchen, a large dinette that converts into a bed, a two-seat sofa, and a large closet for storing clothes and gear. The flooring is carpet-free for easy cleaning. The trailer also comes prepped for solar panels.
One of the best interior features of the Sportsmen Classic is the large, rear bathroom. Many small travel trailers have a wet bath, where campers shower over the toilet. This RV has a comfortable dry bathroom with a toilet and a separate shower.
Buyers can spend more and add the off-road package to make this trailer even better. The optional package includes 15-inch mud tires, extra ground clearance, and a heated holding tank.
Palomino Real-Lite SS-1608
Suggested List Price: $24,193
Last but not least on our list of cheap RVs is the Palomino Real-Lite SS-1608, a truck camper. The SS in the model number stands for “soft side,” as the Real-Lite features a pop-up roof that expands the height of the camper when parked.
The pop-up roof gives the camper a low-profile aerodynamic design when it is closed for travel. Since the camper sits in the bed of a truck, campers must own a half-ton truck to transport it.
Although this truck camper is under 15 feet, it is fully self-contained. The interior includes a wet bathroom with a toilet and a shower, a queen bed, a bench seat, and a removable dining table. There is also a kitchen with a sink, a two-burner cooktop, and a small refrigerator.
How to Get the Best Deal on Your Cheap RV
Want to save even more money on your RV purchase? Here are some simple tips for getting the best price on your RV. See my RV buying guide for more tips and tricks to score the best deal.
Buy Used (With an Extended Warranty)
Although we shared new 2024 cheap RVs, used RVs are usually the more affordable option because RVs depreciate quickly.
According to J.D. Power, RVs depreciate around 20% within the first year of ownership. Given the rapid depreciation, buying a used RV will generally get you more rig for your money.
While used RVs cost less upfront, they may have more issues during your first few years of ownership. When buying a used RV, also buy an extended warranty to help you avoid expensive repair bills.
I obtained an extended warranty through Wholesale Warranties. This company only sells A-rated warranty programs, which ensures that 90% of their customers’ claims are adjusted in one phone call.
All Wholesale Warranties customers have access to a warranty specialist and a claim assistance team to answer any questions and ensure claims are processed quickly. Our warranty was also about half the price of the extended warranty offered by the dealership.
Be sure to ask these important questions before buying an extended warranty for your RV.
Negotiate
Never be afraid to negotiate an RV price. While RV dealerships were unlikely to negotiate during the early 2020s, the RV bubble has burst, and there are now deals for buyers.
Shop at multiple RV dealerships and always ask for a reduction in the dealership’s published price. Negotiate with at least two dealerships on the same model. Then, you can use the negotiated price from one dealer as leverage to get the other dealer to sweeten your deal.
Expand Your Search Location
Expanding your search location is one of the easiest ways to find a better deal. I live in Florida, so that is where I started searching for a travel trailer. However, all of the dealers in Florida had my desired model listed right at the suggested list price.
After negotiating with the dealerships in Florida, they agreed to drop the price a bit, but they were all still above my budget. Instead of paying more or buying another RV with fewer features, I expanded my search.
I searched nationwide and purchased my desired RV in Indiana (near the manufacturer). Even after accounting for travel expenses, I paid over $10,000 less than I would have if I had purchased the same RV in Florida.
Additional RV Expenses
RV Essentials
Buying a cheap RV is a great way to travel on a budget. However, there are some RV accessories that you should not skimp on.
Every new RV owner should also purchase the following accessories. Be sure to account for these RV essentials when creating your budget.
- Surge protector
- Power adapters
- Water hose
- Water pressure regulator
- Hitch
- Leveling blocks
- Wheel chocks
- Sewer hose and connectors
- Insect screens for appliance vents
Trip Expenses
For budget-conscious buyers, the overall cost of RV trips must also be considered. The following are typical RV travel expenses.
- Campground fees
- Fuel for your RV or tow vehicle
- Propane
- Insurance and roadside assistance
- Adventures and entertainment
RVing can be an affordable way to travel or a luxury vacation. However, it’s essential to create a budget ahead of time to avoid overspending.
This article originally appeared on Travel Binger.
Christina Pate is a seasoned full-time RVer who, along with her husband Justin, has journeyed across the US, Canada, and Mexico. Drawing from her extensive travels, RV repairs and RV renovations, she founded Travels with Ted to guide and inspire fellow RV enthusiasts.
