Small motorhomes offer something that their big counterparts cannot: affordability and efficiency. Therefore, it’s not surprising to see more and more people are investing in them.
If you’re searching for your own dream RV that’d take you to the most spectacular glamping spots, you’re at the right place. Here we review the eight best small motorhomes that are worth your money. We’ve included a brief buying guide to help you choose between RVs.
In my opinion, it is always advisable to rent the RV you wish to buy before committing to the investment. Check our extensive inventory of small motorhomes for rent and take a true test drive!
What are the Smallest Sized Motorhomes?
Motorhomes come in varying sizes. If you’re looking for the smallest of them, you need to know which class to consider buying.
For the uninitiated, motorhomes (and RVs in general) are classified into four classes. These are:
Class B motorhomes are the smallest sized motorhomes, while Class A are the biggest. But how small are Class B motorhomes, exactly?
Class A motorhomes can range anywhere between 28 to 45 feet.
Class B motorhomes have a length between 18 to 25 feet.
Class C vehicles have a length of 30 to 33 feet, thus falling in between the two extremes.
Class A motorhomes are smaller in terms of length and also cabin space, and overhead space. There will also be differences in the bathroom, fuel tank, water tank, battery capacity, refrigerator, etc.
Class B+ is an upgraded version of Class B. So they’re a bit bigger with some bells and whistles.
If you’re looking for small motorhomes, it’s better to stick to Class B or Class B+ models. But you can be flexible and look at some Class C models as well.
At the end of the day, you need to balance price with comfort.
What’s the Price of Small Motorhomes?
Buying a small RV means cost savings. You don’t have to splurge big on these vehicles.
The price of small motorhomes costs around $900 per square foot or $120,000-130,000 MSRP. Depending on the model, the cost can go as high as $150,000.
This doesn’t include other costs like insurance, GAP coverage, and registration cost. So you’d have to add them separately.
But one thing you should note is Class B RVs actually cost more than Class C RVs despite being smaller in size. There are two reasons for that.
The first reason is that Class B RVs follow a different manufacturing process than other classes.
In the case of Class A or C vehicles, the manufacturer has to first build the living space and then attach it to the cutaway chassis of the van. But when it comes to Class B vehicles, the process is much more labor-intensive. The workers have to essentially turn the van into a livable space.
Because of the arduous nature, only a few companies make Class B motorhomes, which is the second reason why they’re pricier. Since fewer companies make it, there are fewer models available.
The cost difference between Class B and Class C is about $500 per square foot or $30,000-40,000 on MSRP.
Things to Look for in a Small Motorhome
Buying a small motorhome involves some research and due diligence.
So when you’re prospecting small motorhomes, there are a few things to look for in each model. These are:
- Size
You’re going to buy a small motorhome, so expect a smaller area to work with. But you do need to make sure that the space available is adequate. You don’t want to be crammed in a corner inside the van throughout the trip.
As already mentioned, Class B motorhomes measure 18-24 feet in length. So you’d probably have 10-14 feet to yourself. Check for compatibility by sitting in the driver’s seat, laying in the bed, and moving around the vehicle.
Class B motorhomes are suitable for 2-3 people at max. Anything above requires a B+ or C class vehicle.
- Type of Bed
The motorhome will be your home on wheels. To ensure a good night’s sleep after a long tiring day, you have to check the bed type.
In smaller motorhomes, the bed is usually a convertible type. So it can fold and transform into a couch. Other vehicles may have a jackknife, murphy, slider bed, or a flip-out bench. You need to check the beds to see if they meet your sleep comfort level.
- Kitchen and Washroom
Small motorhomes do have kitchen and washroom space, but they’re very compact. You’d have a microwave, a minifridge, a cooktop, and a dish rack all on one shelf. You should check the actual size to see if they suit your cooking style.
When it comes to the bathroom, the small motorhome is likely to have a wet bath. This means the shower, sink, and toilet will be in the same space. So the entire bathroom is going to get wet because of a single use, hence the name.
Many people aren’t comfortable with a wet bath. Again, check to see if this is something you can compromise on.
- Storage
Your house on wheels should have adequate storage space to accommodate the things you carry. Class C vehicles are going to have more space than Class B ones.
So deep dive into the storage racks and cabins and inspect the space. Is it enough to hold all of the goods? Since you’re looking for small motorhomes, you’d have to do a lot of cutting down on luggage. You can only carry so much.
- Technical specs
The last thing to inspect in a small motorhome is the technical side of things. This can include the engine, the chassis, the storage system, the electrical system, and the heating and cooling system, among other things.
If you’re buying in a particular price range, most, if not all, technical features are going to be the same in all motorhomes. So take note of the minor differences and determine which features you’d need the most.
That said, here are the eight best small motorhomes in 2022. These are rated based on their performance and user feedback.
Best Small Type B Models
- Winnebago Travato 59K
- Roadtrek SS Agile Class B
- Airstream Interstate 19
- Coachmen Galleria 24FL
- Jayco Terrain
Best Small Type B+ Models
- Airstream Atlas
- Coachmen Cross Trek 21XG
Best Small Type C Model
- Winnebago Ekko
Winnebago Travato 59K
- Length – 21 feet
- Chassis – ProMaster
- Engine – 3.6L Promaster V6
- Towing capacity – 3,500 lbs
- Mileage – 20-22 mpg (highway)
- Ideal for – 2-3 people
- Price – $152,500
You’ll find Winnebago Travato near the top of every Class B motorhome list. That’s because it’s a compact yet spacious vehicle. It’s more common among remote workers who need a workstation on demand.
The Travato has two table mounts on the front and back sections. You can attach Lagun tabletops and convert the area into a workspace. You can also use the driver’s chair as the secondary desk as it can swivel 90 degrees.
Even the kitchen counter can double up as a standalone workstation if you need more space.
The van has the Pure3 Energy Management System to keep your devices charged for long. It uses the combined power of the lithium-ion battery, solar panels, and an inverter.
Coming to the performance, Travato is powered by a 3.6L V6 gas engine. It’s efficient enough to deliver a mileage of up to 22 mpg on the highway. The six-speed automatic transmission makes driving easy and smooth. For safety, there are six front airbags, side curtains, side seat bolsters, and blindspot monitoring with cross-path detection to monitor the rear and side of the van.
Roadtrek SS Agile Class B
- Length – 19.5 feet
- Chassis – Mercedes Short Sprinter
- Engine – 3.0L CRD V6 Bluetec
- Towing capacity – 5,000 lbs
- Mileage – 18-22 mpg (highway)
- Ideal for – 2-3 people
- Price – $185,000
Roadtrek SS Agile is one of the smallest motorhomes. But it boasts an excess of amenities, which makes the SS Agile a favorite among campers.
The van has an air conditioning system, furnace, smart TV, microwave oven, refrigerator, and kitchen gallery. So it’s as comfortable as a large motorhome.
Another aspect where this motorhome stands out is occupancy. The rear end has a power sofa that can readily transform into a king-sized bed. So even though the vehicle is suited for 2-3 people, it can accommodate up to five people.
Other than a spacious wardrobe, there are cabinets in various sections to accommodate more luggage.
Airstream Interstate 19
- Length – 19.5 feet
- Chassis – Mercedes-Benz® Sprinter 2500
- Engine – Mercedes-Benz® 3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel
- Towing capacity – 5,000 lbs
- Mileage – 18-23 mpg (highway)
- Ideal for – 2-3 people
- Price – $149,240
Airstream has a fleet of Class B motorhomes. But the oldest model, the Interstate 19, is still the smallest, most nimble model. It’s best for couples or a group of three on a cross-country trip.
Despite being small, it is not short on amenities. You get as many as 50 standard features (not including add-ons), which include a Truma Combi furnace, LED TV, microwave, Ultraleather padding, Italian cabinetry, etc.
As with other small motorhomes, the rear sofa is convertible to a queen-size bed.
Interstate 19 is designed for maneuverability and city driving. It’s easy to move around and park in tight spaces. So if you’re taking a cross-country road trip, this is the small motorhome for you.
Coachmen Galleria 24FL
- Length – 24.3 feet
- Chassis – 3500 Mercedes Sprinter
- Engine – 3.0L Turbo V6 diesel
- Towing capacity – 5,000 lbs
- Mileage – 18-20 mpg (highway)
- Ideal for – 2-3 people
- Price – $202,455
Galleria is a small-but-mighty motor van with all the necessary features for luxury glamping. The compact motorhome is equipped with a galley, refrigerator, microwave, and a wet bathroom with Oxygenics Fury handheld shower.
The lounge area is quite spacious where you’ve got a sofa that runs the width of the motorhome and jump seats. Set up the lagun table in the middle for family dining.
It is built on a Mercedes chassis and provided with a 3.0L V6 engine, which makes it a powerful van. With the 24-gallon fuel tank, you can take it to places and stay off-grid for a longer period. Galleria will keep generating energy via the 110W solar panels even in the wilderness.
You can control the Galleria 24FL from a distance with the Remote Access Eclipse app.
Jayco Terrain
- Length – 19.7 feet
- Chassis – Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500
- Engine – 3.0L V6 engine
- Towing capacity – 3,500 lbs
- Mileage – 16-18 mpg (highway)
- Ideal for – 2-3 people
- Price – $201,000
The Terrain is specifically designed for the restless nomads. You can carry bulky outdoor gear like mountain bikes with this heavy-duty motorhome.
The van is quite roomy, to begin with. But to create more space, you can use the lift mechanism to raise the bed to the roof. It will grant 49 ” X 79 ” of additional space. The same system allows you to lower the bed when it’s time to sleep.
The galley is equipped with a countertop, induction cooktop, cabinets, and sink to cook meals with ease.
Rooftop solar panels and the 3500-watt inverter ensure a continuous energy supply in even the remotest of places.
Jayco has also nailed the outer graphics by embedding candy cane strips and mountain scenes. It gives the van an adventurous look.
Airstream Atlas
- Length – 24.9 feet
- Chassis – Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500
- Engine – 3.0L V6 engine
- Towing capacity – 5,000 lbs
- Mileage – 16-18 mpg (highway)
- Ideal for – 2-3 people
- Price – $2,89,000
Airstream Atlas is one of the most luxurious RVs to date. Classified as a B+ motorhome, it has just about everything you’d need on a glamping trip.
The lounge consists of a Murphy bed that can transform into a sofa and a queen-size bed with a push of a button. There’s also a 40″ LED TV pre-wired for Satellite Dish to make the journey entertaining.
Atlas is further equipped with an air conditioner, a furnace, a water heater, a refrigerator with a freezer, and a detailed plumbing system.
That bathroom perhaps is among the best you’d find in any RV. With the inclusion of a ceramic commode, isolated stand-in shower, and spacious wardrobe with mirror, it’s close to a residential-style bathroom.
Last but not least, it looks sleek with an aerodynamic design and metallic paint. The design also helps with the mileage.
Coachmen Cross Trek 21XG
- Length – 24.1 feet
- Chassis – Ford Transit T350
- Engine – 3.7L V6 engine
- Towing capacity – 5,000 lbs
- Mileage – 17-18 mpg (highway)
- Ideal for – 2-3 people
- Price – $180,000
The Cross Trek 21XG is another exciting motorhome from Coachmen. Categorized as B+, it combines compactness with luxury.
Speaking of luxury, it has an interior/exterior smart TV, a full-scale kitchen, refrigerator, and air-conditioning (add-on). There’s a fixed sofa near the doors that can be used for dining purposes or as a workspace. Towards the rear, the van has a Murphy double bed that can accommodate two people easily.
The bathroom is as good as the Airstream Atlas and is equally spacious.
The 3000 Watt inverter is the highest in this vehicle category, which means more time off the grid. The vehicle is also equipped with a high-end electrical system that allows every piece of equipment inside the motorhome to draw power from the battery. So there’s no need for generators.
The exterior storage is another area where this small motorhome rises above all. You get ample space to carry outdoor gear and equipment to the glamping spot.
Winnebago Ekko
- Length – 23 feet
- Chassis – Ford Transit
- Engine – Ford EcoBoost V6
- Towing capacity – 5,000 lbs
- Mileage – 12-13 mpg (highway)
- Ideal for – 3-4 people
- Price – $171,845
The Ekko from Winnebago is the best Class C compact motorhome. With this, you get the efficiency of a small motorhome along with the dimensions of a Class C RV.
The floorplan and amenities aren’t much different from the B+ models on this list. But the Ekko is more spacious. You have two adjacent twin beds at the rear end, separated by a nightstand. Also, there’s a seating area with a fold-down table behind the driver’s seat.
A refrigerator, galley, and a dry bathroom are in place to make the RV experience more enjoyable.
This all-wheel-drive vehicle grants you more power to traverse the rugged terrains with ease. The Ford EcoBoost engine delivers a torque of 400 lb. ft. and 310 hp of acceleration for better performance.
The above capabilities are on-demand, which means they only come into play when necessary. Otherwise, they remain dormant, thereby improving fuel efficiency.
Ekko is also designed for prolonged off-the-grid trips.
There are solar panels and a second alternator to produce energy, which is then stored in the lithium-ion battery.
Even though the motorhomes are reasonably priced, not everyone is in the same financial state to afford one. So why not rent an RV for one-tenth of the cost. With Outdoorsy, renting a small motorhome for your next glamping trip is just a few clicks away.
