You’re in the market for an RV but don’t want the hassle of hitching and unhitching or worrying about GVWR or tow capacity. You’re probably looking at buying a motorhome.
But not all motorhomes are the same. Just like you can find travel trailers, fifth wheels, pop-up campers, and toy haulers as towable options, you can also find Class A, Class B, and Class C drivable options.
If you’re a solo traveler or couple looking to travel the world, you probably want something easier to maneuver and can traverse all types of terrain.
Let’s look at five super small motorhomes that are great options for this type of travel. You might just find your next RV!
What Makes a Motorhome a Motorhome?
A motorized RV, one that propels itself with its own engine, is different from a towable RV. A towable RV requires a tow vehicle to move it from place to place. Even truck campers, although they sit in the bed of a truck, need a truck to move them.
On the other hand, motorized RVs have their own chassis, engines, and fuel tanks. Class A, Class B, and Class C motorhomes are all very different and range from luxurious to simple.
This is also reflected in their prices. Drivable RVs are generally more expensive than towable RVs.
Class A motorhomes are the most expensive and most luxurious options. They operate on diesel and gas engines and vary from 30 feet to 40 feet in length. Some feature heated floors and residential finishes like granite countertops and porcelain tile bathrooms.
Class B motorhomes are the smallest classes and are also called camper vans. They have no slides and are usually about 19 feet to 20 feet long.
Class C motorhomes have cabover beds that distinguish them from Class As. They can also be luxurious and offer residential finishes and slide-outs to increase the interior space.
HOT TIP
Hey cheapskate, a diesel motorhome will always be better than gas.
Benefits of a Class B Motorhome
The biggest advantage of owning a Class B motorhome is also the biggest disadvantage — size. There are no slides, no full bathrooms with double vanities, no bunks for the kids, or space for the dog to play.
However, because of its size, you can visit off-grid locations, squeeze in tiny campsites, and travel the world without worrying about bridge clearances, tunnel clearances, narrow roads, or tight parking spaces.
When you want to go to the grocery store, you step into the driver’s seat and go without having to pull in slides or unhitch. You can fit into regular parking spaces and drive through towns without worrying if your dual rear wheels are going to hit the curb.
Ultimately, you might sacrifice some conveniences, but for travelers looking to go anywhere, it’s worth it.
You also experience true simple living. Materialism is out the window. Traveling and experiences are of the utmost importance. You don’t have room for extra stuff, so you learn to live simply.
5 Surprisingly Small Motorhomes
You might imagine a shiny Newmar or stunning Prevost when you think of a motorhome. Or perhaps you think of a Super C with the Freightliner chassis and cab.
But did you know you can find motorhomes under 20 feet in length? You certainly sacrifice space, but you gain access to places you can’t go in a larger motorhome.
Let’s take a look at five surprisingly small motorhomes and all they have to offer.
1. The Winnebago Revel
About: Built on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis, the Revel features an on-demand four-wheel drive powered by a 3-liter turbo diesel engine. It won the RV Business 2021 Top RV Debut award.
The 44E is the only floorplan available, and the MSRP starts at around $202,400. It’s 19 feet 7 inches long and sleeps two travelers.
Best Features: The Power Lift bed provides storage for your outdoor gear below. A removable counter extension provides additional space for food prep, and an induction cooktop is stored in a drawer, so no countertop space is sacrificed. A wet bath, sink, pantry, removable pedestal table, and bench seat complete the central living area.
Best Space-Saving Feature: To provide extra storage and garage space for outdoor gear, the Power Lift bed is the best space-saving feature of the Winnebago Revel. It comes equipped with six removable cargo tie-down anchors.
HOT TIP
Looking for small but maybe not camper van small? Take a look a the 5 best small fifth wheel RVs.
2. Carado Banff
About: Built on the Dodge ProMaster chassis, the Carado Banff offers two sleeping options: a king-sized bed or two twin beds. Both are easy to assemble. The bathroom is in the rear, which is significantly different from the Winnebago Revel.
The table is between two lounge areas that convert to the sleeping space. The kitchen comes equipped with a two-burner stove, electric refrigerator, and sink.
Best Features: One of the best features is the EcoTrek system that integrates the generator, lithium batteries, and solar panels. The bathroom in the rear also means it’s accessible from outside, which is a great feature when hiking and biking.
Best Space-Saving Feature: The functionality of the interior is the best space-saving feature of the Carado Banff. There is a large lounge and dining space because there is no separate sleeping area to take up room.
Although travelers have to assemble the beds each night, this multi-purpose space provides ample room inside — whether it’s to eat, hang out, or sleep.
3. Thor Sequence
About: Built on the RAM Promaster 3500 XT window van chassis, the Thor Sequence is powered by a V6 engine. There are four floor plans to choose from, ranging from $120,960 to $127,260. They all have a wet bath and measure 21 feet 1 inch in length.
Best Features: Outside, Thule has outfitted this camper van with a bike rack, roof ladder, and patio awning. Inside, the kitchen features solid surface countertops, a stainless steel sink, an electric fridge, a two-burner gas stove, a pull-out countertop extension, and a convection microwave.
Best Space-Saving Feature: In the 20A floor plan, you can opt for the retractable rooftop SkyBunk for additional space. In every model, you’ll find removable, flip-up tables, or countertops, so you have the extra prep space or workspace when needed.
And the multi-purpose living spaces mean extra room to hang out during the day and easy-to-assemble sleeping spaces at night.
4. Roadtrek SS Agile
About: Starting out with an MSRP of $183,260, the Roadtrek SS Agile is built on a Mercedes Sprinter chassis and operates with a diesel engine. It comes equipped with an 11,000 BTU roof mount air conditioner, 330 watts of solar, and large frameless windows.
The length measures almost 18 and a half inches, with the interior standing height a little over six feet.
Best Features: Seat five and sleep up to three travelers in this Roadtrek SS Agile. The kitchen features a two-burner propane stove, a stainless steel sink, a 3.1 cu ft refrigerator, and a convection microwave. You’ll also love the tankless water heater that supplies an endless amount of hot water.
Best Space-Saving Feature: The rear power sofa converts to a king-sized bed or two twin beds to save space during the day. With the front two cabin chairs turned around and the three-seater sofa in the rear, you can easily entertain guests.
At night, transition the rear space into a bedroom and enjoy watching your favorite movie on the 24-inch Smart TV.
5. Airstream Interstate 19
About: The 2022 Airstream Interstate 19 begins at around $191,125. This 19-foot floor plan includes a wet bath behind the driver’s seat and a rear power sofa to transition from day living to night sleeping. It operates on a Mercedes-Benz 3.0L V6 turbo diesel engine.
Best Features: The C-Zone Multiplex Control allows you to open the shades, turn on the lights, monitor batteries, and more for convenient accessibility. The on-demand four-wheel drive system allows you to take your RV anywhere.
Finally, the kitchen is equipped with a two-burner gas stove, a stainless steel sink, extra counter space, a convection microwave, a refrigerator with a freezer, and a slide-out pantry.
Best Space-Saving Feature: The rear sofa provides 66 inches by 73 inches of sleeping space at night, the largest of any Class B.
Need storage? Lockers wrap around the back of the RV. You can hang your clothes in the rear closet and store even more items in the trunk behind the sofa/bed.
Motorhomes Come in a Range of Sizes
Although you might not consider these Class Bs in the same league as Class As or Class Cs, they prove that motorhomes come in all types of sizes and with all kinds of amenities.
If you’re looking to escape for the weekend or planning a year-long adventure, one of these super small motorhomes may just be the answer. Equipped with wet baths and kitchen essentials, you’ll have everything you need to start making memories on the road. The hard part will be deciding which one to see first.
What unit caught your eye?
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