If you’re a weekend warrior camping couple looking for a small rig that still has all the basic amenities, you may think your options are limited. Despite this, there are lots of small RVs for couples. From teardrop trailers to Class A motorhomes and everything in between, you might be surprised to know you can have it all, even in a compact vehicle. Today, we’re sharing the five best small RVs for couples. Let’s dive in!
A small RV is typically a rig under 30 feet. When looking at towable options, this length usually goes down to under 25 feet. Motorized RVs need a bit more space for the cab, so most motorhomes that are considered small RVs will be around 28-30 feet in length.
Any Class B is usually referred to as a small RV. Truck campers, teardrop trailers, and pop-up campers are also considered small RVs in general.
Pro Tip: Before planning your next road trip with your partner, check out these Memorable Things to Do in San Antonio for Couples!
When you think about a compact RV, you probably assume there must be amenities left out to achieve the smaller, lightweight configuration. You’re correct in that you won’t find a residential refrigerator, double sofas, or a kitchen island in these small RVs for couples.
Regardless, there are plenty of options under 30 feet that still feature full bathrooms, pantries, dinettes, and full kitchens. The appliances might not be residential, but for a couple who is only heading out to the campground for a weekend trip, those types of amenities aren’t necessary.
Class B camper vans tend to have the smallest interiors. You might have a wet bath, or you might not have a bath at all. The kitchen may be more like a kitchenette, but it still provides a microwave, a single-burner cooktop, and a small fridge.
Before diving into your purchase, there are a few things to consider when finding a small RV for a couple. First, how will it be used? Are you boondocking often or will you always stay at a campground with hookups? Will you be taking it on a long road trip or only driving a few miles to a local campground? These questions are important when choosing the right rig.
If you’re going to go on road trips, you might want more storage space. If you’re dry camping off-grid, you’ll need solar panels, ample batteries, and large tank sizes. These questions will also dictate your must-have amenities. A small refrigerator may not cut it if you’re planning a cross-country road trip. A bathroom may become a deal-breaker if you’re camping in the middle of nowhere.
Additional questions include where will you travel and during what seasons? If you want to camp near Bryce Canyon in February, you’ll need to find a small RV that’s built for four seasons. If you plan on spending the summers in Florida, you’ll need plenty of ventilation and perhaps two air conditioning units.
When buying a small RV for a couple, you’ll also want to think about whether you want a dedicated sleeping area. Some small RVs have flex space. This means the dinette may also double as the bed, or the rear lounge may convert into a bedroom. If you prefer a dedicated sleeping space, you’ll want to find an RV that has a bedroom that isn’t used for any other purpose.
While there are many options for compact RVs, we’ve come up with five of the best small RVs for couples. These are based on particular camping styles and preferences. What works for you may not work for your best friend and their partner. All of these are motorized options except the Escape 5.0, which is a small fifth wheel.
The 4×4 Winnebago Revel is one of the best small RVs for couples who enjoy off-roading. If hitting the backcountry roads of Utah and Nevada sounds like your idea of a perfect camping weekend, then this Class B camper van may be your best option. With its off-road capabilities, the Winnebago Revel starts at $245,463.
Besides the turbo diesel engine, the Revel features large tank sizes and a 320-amp hour LiFePO4 battery. Inside, there’s a power lift bed in the rear with a gear garage below, an all-in-one wet bath across from the kitchen, and a bench seat with a removable pedestal table behind the driver’s seat. You could add a second mattress above the cab for an additional sleeping area. At only 19 feet 7 inches long, the Winnebago Revel is an excellent small RV for couples.
If luxury is more important than off-roading, the Airstream Interstate 24GT may be more your style. This small RV measures 24 feet long, making it a spacious Class B but still compact in size.
We loved the large rear lounge. The power sofa and side seats easily convert to a sleeping area. A removable pedestal table sits between the two side seats, and another countertop behind the driver’s seat provides an additional workstation for digital nomads. Like the Revel, the Airstream Interstate 24GT has a wet bath across from the kitchen. If you know anything about Airstream, you understand the top quality and dedication to excellence this brand offers owners. But you’ll also pay a high price for that luxury as the Interstate 24GT starts at $233,700.
A more budget-friendly small RV for couples is the Winnebago Solis. Starting at just over $152,000, this Class B offers two floorplans. The 59P is 19 feet 9 inches, and the 59PX is 21 feet long. The floorpans are almost identical, though.
While more affordable because of the gas engine, the Solis doesn’t skimp on amenities. Its most distinguishing feature is the easy-to-use pop-top that provides additional sleeping for two more people above the roof. The opposing rear sofas provide plenty of lounge space, and the storage below the floor provides ample room to store your camping gear.
The Murphy bed is also a unique feature of the Winnebago Solis. Like the Revel, the Solis also has a wet bath across from the kitchen, a table behind the driver’s seat, and additional seating at the pedestal table. For couples on a budget, the Winnebago Solis is a contender.
The only towable option on our list of best small RVs for couples is the Escape 5.0. This fiberglass fifth wheel measures 21 feet long and has a GVWR of 5,500 pounds. It’s a fantastic option for couples who own a truck already and want the luxury of having that tow vehicle to drive around once at the campsite.
The Escape 5.0 features a queen bed in the front cap and lots of overhead cabinetry. The downstairs has more storage, a wet bath, a full kitchen, and a 4-person dinette. The dinette also converts to another sleeping area. If you’re looking for a small RV with a dedicated sleeping area, the Escape 5.0 fifth wheel is one of the best options. And it starts at only $44,510.
Finally, we wanted to choose a small Class A for couples who prefer this type of RV. The Thor Vegas 24.1 has an 8,000-pound hitch, so you can haul a second vehicle if desired. One unique feature of this 25-foot 8-inch motorhome is the rear twin beds. For couples who enjoy their own sleeping space, the Thor Vegas 24.1 might be the ideal solution.
There’s an additional drop-down bunk over the cab area for a second sleeping space if the grandkids come along for a weekend camping trip. In the center of the coach is a 66-inch sofa bed, which provides a third sleeping area. The Vegas 24.1 also has a full kitchen and full bathroom. It’s the only unit on our list that has a dry bath. MSRP for the Thor Vegas 24.1 is $170,850.
Our list of best small RVs for couples didn’t include any travel trailers. This isn’t because there aren’t any good options. It’s the exact opposite. There are so many lightweight, compact campers that it’s almost impossible to narrow them down unless you know what you’re looking for.
We’d be happy to recommend some excellent options if you know you want a teardrop trailer or pop-up camper. If you prefer a traditional travel trailer, there are hundreds of choices among big brands from Grand Design to Keystone to Jayco. We share some of our favorites in this article.
There are also excellent small RV options manufactured by lesser-known companies like Taxa Outdoors, Happier Camper, and Aliner. You’ll find pop-up campers, fiberglass trailers, overlanding vehicles, and more. But you’ll have to narrow your search to have a good starting point, or you’ll be overwhelmed by the options.
Yes, you can travel in a truck camper! We did! You can read more in the Ten Best Truck Campers article, which includes Lance, Northstar, and Travel Lite. We also share the remodel of our Lance truck camper to better suit our travel lifestyle.
A word of warning, though, if you’re considering a truck camper. These spaces are small. You certainly won’t have the same comfortability in a truck camper as you will in a small RV like the Solis or Interstate. You also need a heavy-duty truck for most truck campers. While there are options for smaller vehicles, if you want a large enough truck camper to accommodate two people, you’ll likely need a heavy-duty truck to handle the payload capacity.
If you’re looking for a small RV for you and your partner, there are plenty of options. Whether you want luxury, off-road capability, or affordability, there’s a small RV to suit your preferences. We suggested four of the best motorized small RVs for couples. They’re easy to maneuver and provide all the basic amenities.
The Escape 5.0 fifth wheel is truly a one-of-a-kind option with its lightweight fiberglass design. You simply won’t find another fifth wheel like it. But if you want other towable options, you have a wide variety from overlanding vehicles to pop-up campers to teardrops to traditional trailers.
So if you’re a couple looking for a compact RV, start making a list of must-haves and considering those questions we mentioned earlier. Then you’ll narrow down your choices and feel less overwhelmed during the search process. Good luck finding that perfect small RV to get you connected with nature and making memories together!
