Cheapest Camper Options: Exploring Affordable Mobile Living

If you're looking for a cheap camper, you're in luck! There are plenty of options available, depending on your budget and needs.

For those on a tight budget, small RV trailers can be found for under $10,000, such as the Oregon Trailer Do Drop for around $6,000, or the Hiker Trailer Highway Deluxe for $3,795. These options are perfect for couples or individuals looking for a simple and lightweight camper.

If you have a bit more to spend, there are larger and more feature-rich options available for under $20,000 or even $28,000. For example, the Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro E15TB is a versatile RV with off-grid capabilities and a starting price of around $10,000. The Jayco Jay Flight SLX 7 174BH is another family-friendly option with a queen-sized bed and bunk beds, also priced around $10,000.

For those wanting something a little more luxurious, camper vans offer a great blend of functionality and comfort. The Caravan Outfitter's Free Bird, starting at $37,665, is a great affordable option with plenty of livability features. Or, for something more high-end, the Airstream Interstate 19, starting at $161,099, offers a spacious and versatile van life experience.

So, whether you're a couple looking for a simple adventure rig or a family seeking a feature-rich home on wheels, there's a cheap camper option out there for you!

Camper Vans vs. Trailers

When it comes to choosing between a camper van and a trailer, there are several factors to consider. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Here is a detailed comparison to help you decide which one is right for you:

Cost

Camper vans and trailers can vary significantly in price, depending on their features and amenities. Generally, trailers tend to be more affordable than camper vans. You can find decent-sized trailers in the $20,000 to $30,000 range, while camper vans often cost between $40,000 and $80,000. However, if you are handy and have the time, you can convert a van into a camper van for as little as $2,000 to $5,000.

Space and Storage

Camper vans are typically more compact, offering limited living and storage space. They usually include sleeping and cooking areas and may have a toilet or a toilet/shower combo. Trailers, on the other hand, provide more space and storage options. They often feature seating or dining areas, kitchen facilities, a toilet, and one or more sleeping areas. Trailers come in various sizes, so you can choose one that best suits your needs, whether you're travelling solo or with a large group.

Mobility and Flexibility

One of the biggest advantages of a camper van is its mobility. You can easily drive it to your destination and park it in most standard parking spots. With a trailer, you need to consider the additional vehicle used for towing, and you may need to detach the trailer if you want to explore the area or run errands. However, trailers offer the flexibility to detach your vehicle and explore without the weight and bulk of the trailer.

Maintenance

Camper vans generally require more maintenance than trailers. Since they are built on standard van chassis, they may need frequent repairs and maintenance, especially if you opt for an older model. Trailers, on the other hand, typically require less maintenance, mainly for the brakes and tires. Additionally, the tow vehicles used for trailers are often more common and easier to maintain than large cargo vans.

Comfort and Amenities

When it comes to comfort and amenities, both camper vans and trailers offer various options. You can find simple, no-frills models or luxurious ones with all the comforts of home. However, due to their larger size, trailers often provide more space for amenities like holding tanks, toilets, and showers. They also tend to have more floor plan options, allowing you to choose a layout that suits your needs.

Insurance

Insurance costs can vary depending on the size and features of your camper van or trailer. In general, trailers tend to be cheaper to insure than camper vans. This is partly because camper vans are often customised, making it more complex to insure the modifications. Additionally, trailers are typically easier to insure as they are not used as both a vehicle and a living space simultaneously.

Ease of Use

Camper vans offer the convenience of having your vehicle and living space in one. You can easily transition from driving to sleeping or cooking without having to detach or set up anything. Trailers, on the other hand, require more setup, and you need to consider the additional vehicle used for towing. However, trailers provide the advantage of having two separate spaces, which can be beneficial if you need to work remotely or accommodate different schedules.

Stealth Camping

If you plan on stealth camping or parking in urban areas, a camper van is a better option. They are more discreet and can often be mistaken for commercial cargo vehicles. Trailers, due to their bulk and the need to detach the towing vehicle, are not as well-suited for stealth camping.

Fuel Efficiency

Camper vans are generally more fuel-efficient than trailers. They get better gas mileage, typically ranging from 18 to 28 mpg on the highway. Trailers will impact the fuel efficiency of the towing vehicle, and you can expect a decrease of around seven miles per gallon. However, when detached from the trailer, the towing vehicle may get better gas mileage for local errands.

Both camper vans and trailers have their pros and cons. Camper vans offer mobility, ease of use, and stealth camping advantages, while trailers provide more space, storage, and flexibility. The best option for you will depend on your budget, travel style, and personal preferences. Consider your needs and priorities carefully before making your decision.

Under $10,000

If you're looking for a camper under $10,000, you're in luck! There are a variety of options available, from lightweight trailers to retro-style models. Here are some of the best options to consider:

Oregon Trailer Do-Drop

The Oregon Trailer Do-Drop is one of the most affordable options on the market, with a price range of $8,500+. It is a minimalist and lightweight trailer, weighing between 550 and 700 lbs. While it only offers the basics in terms of features, including a bed and storage, it is highly towable and can be pulled by most cars.

Sunray 109 Travel Trailer

The Sunray 109 Travel Trailer is a great step up from the Oregon Trailer Do-Drop, offering more amenities while still being lightweight and compact. It has a price range of $9,995+ and includes features such as a rear outside kitchen, a U-shaped dinette, a two-person bed, a built-in awning, and air conditioning.

Riverside Retro Travel Trailer 511

With a price range of $9,500+, the Riverside Retro Travel Trailer 511 offers a retro design and a compact size. It includes a queen-size bed, storage compartments, and a small kitchenette. While newer models may cost more than $10,000, older versions can be found within the budget.

Braxton Creek Teardrop Bushwhacker

The Braxton Creek Teardrop Bushwhacker is a small but feature-packed trailer with a price range of $9,995+. It includes a bed, TV mount, Bluetooth stereo, kitchenette, roof-mounted gear rack, and powerful air conditioning. It also has a rear-mounted stabilizer for added safety.

Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro 12RD

The Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro 12RD is a lightweight and spacious option with a price range of $9,995+. It offers a blank space that can be customized to your needs, a rear outdoor kitchen, and a drop-down table. While newer models may cost more, used versions can be found within the budget.

Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro G12SRK

The Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro G12SRK is another lightweight option with a simple interior and an exterior kitchenette. It has a price range of $9,950+ and includes features such as a convertible sofa bed, exterior storage, and a TV swivel mount. Used models can be found within the budget, while newer versions may cost around $20,000.

Sylvan TrailLOFT Micro Camper

The Sylvan TrailLOFT Micro Camper is a unique and innovative option, perfect for one to two people. With a price range of $5,995+, it is highly affordable and can be towed by any vehicle. It features a rooftop tent with a solid base and roof, heavy-duty suspension, and ample storage.

Three Feathers Backpacker 2

The Three Feathers Backpacker 2 is an innovative and comfortable option, ideal for off-roading and cold-weather camping. With a price range of $8,550+, it offers a spacious sleeping area, a rear kitchen, a front cargo area, a small bathroom, and interior storage.

Gulf Stream RV Ameri-Lite Super Lite 16BHC

The Gulf Stream RV Ameri-Lite Super Lite 16BHC is a spacious and feature-rich model, offering a full bathroom, convertible dinette, kitchenette, and closet. While newer models have a base price of $12,450, used versions can be found within the budget.

Keystone Springdale 1800BH Travel Trailer

The Keystone Springdale 1800BH Travel Trailer is a great option for families, offering a spacious interior and a range of amenities. With a price tag of $9,999, it includes a full bathroom, compact kitchen, large dinette table, and a queen-size bed.

Gulf Stream Ameri-Lite Super Lite 16BHC Travel Trailer

The Gulf Stream Ameri-Lite Super Lite 16BHC Travel Trailer is ideal for lightweight towing, with a dry weight of 2,590 lbs. It has a price range of around $9,500 and includes features such as a full bathroom, a small kitchen, and a convertible dinette table. While it may accommodate four people, it might be a tight fit for some.

These options provide a range of features and amenities to suit different needs and preferences, all while staying within the $10,000 budget. Whether you're looking for a simple and minimalist trailer or something with more comforts of home, there is a camper on this list that will fit the bill!

Under $28,000

If you're looking for a camper under $28,000, there are several options to choose from. Here are some recommendations:

Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro E15TB

Forest River describes the E-Pro E15TB as the "Swiss Army Knife of RVs". It's a versatile option that can accommodate different camping styles. It features two twin beds that can convert into a king-sized bed, allowing you to adjust your sleeping arrangements as needed. The E15TB also comes with a 190-watt solar panel and a 1000W inverter, making it ideal for off-grid camping. With a weight of 2,667 lbs, you may not need to upgrade your tow vehicle.

Jayco Jay Flight SLX 7 174BH

The Jayco Jay Flight SLX 7 174BH is a budget-friendly option for a family-friendly RV. It features a queen-sized bed and bunk beds, sleeping a total of five people. The roof is prepped for solar, making it easy for you to upgrade for off-grid camping. The outside LP quick connect hose allows you to attach a griddle or propane fire pit to enhance your camping experience.

Riverside Retro RV 179

The Riverside Retro RV 179 offers a unique combination of 1950s style with modern construction. It is 20 feet by 9 inches long and features a rare walk-around queen-sized bed. It also includes a full bath, two large closets, and ample storage space for all your camping gear. The outside shower is a convenient feature to clean up before stepping into your RV. The entire Retro RV line is customizable, allowing you to tailor it to your specific camping style and preferences.

Oregon Trailer Do-Drop

The Oregon Trailer Do-Drop is a compact, simple, and affordable camp trailer. Despite its compact size, it packs in everything you need for adventurous getaways. It is perfect for couples or individuals seeking to camp in remote and hard-to-reach locations that are inaccessible to larger RVs. The Do-Drop trailers are customizable through a-la-carte options, ensuring you can create a setup that suits your needs. These trailers typically weigh around 550 to 700 lbs, making them lightweight and easy to tow.

Starcraft Autumn Ridge

The Starcraft Autumn Ridge offers a variety of floor plans, with several single-axle models coming in under $25,000. The entry-level versions can sleep up to six people and include features such as an energy-efficient 12V refrigerator, a spacious dinette, bunk beds, and a bathroom with a tub shower. Additionally, it has a fully walkable roof, a rare feature in smaller, more affordable RVs. The starting price for the Starcraft Autumn Ridge is $24,128.

Keystone Hideout Sport Single

The Keystone Hideout Sport Single offers a lot of value for its price. It is available in nine different floor plans and includes a queen-size bed, hardwood cabinets, and an onboard bathroom with a shower and on-demand hot water. The cozy kitchen/dinette area seats four and is equipped with a two-burner stove, a microwave oven, and a mini-fridge. It also features an HVAC system and built-in LED lighting, and it is solar-ready. Pricing starts at $17,025 for a bunkhouse model that sleeps six.

Highland Ridge Open Range Conventional

The Highland Ridge Open Range Conventional travel trailer offers 15 unique floor plans, with three priced under $25,000. These models sleep up to six people and include residential-style vinyl flooring, hardwood cabinets, an 13,500 BTU A/C unit, and an 18,000 BTU furnace, making it suitable for year-round camping. It also features a fully walkable roof, a 200W solar package, and an energy-efficient 12V refrigerator. Pricing starts at $24,525.

Small RV Trailers

Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro Travel Trailer

This trailer is a great option if you are looking for a lightweight trailer. Weighing under 3,000 pounds, it can be towed by small SUVs like the Mazda CX5. It has seven different floor plans, four of which are priced under $10,000. It is equipped with a Wi-Fi ranger, tinted frameless windows, a roof mount solar panel, and a 20,000 BTU furnace.

Jayco Jay Flight SLX Travel Trailer

The Jayco Jay Flight SLX Travel Trailer is a small yet high-quality trailer. With 17 floor plans, this trailer can accommodate 3 to 9 people and is priced at around $9,000. It features an 8,000 BTU wall-mounted air conditioner, an Atwood furnace, and a fully integrated external A-frame.

Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro Travel Trailer

The Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro Travel Trailer is another excellent option for a small RV trailer. With seven floor plans to choose from, this trailer offers plenty of space and is easy to tow. The price starts at around $10,000, and it includes features such as a roof mount solar prep, tinted bonded frameless windows, and a 6-sided aluminum cage construction.

Riverside Retro Travel Trailer

The Riverside Retro Travel Trailer is a stylish and feature-packed option, priced at under $10,000. It offers 18 different floor plans, making it perfect for those who need more space. It has a powder-coated chassis, spacious cabinets with hardwood doors, and radius windows and doors.

Dutchmen Aspen Trail Travel Trailer

The Dutchmen Aspen Trail Travel Trailer stands out for its impressive line of affordable trailers. With 36 different floor plans, it can accommodate different group sizes and sleeping capacities. Priced at around $10,000, it offers features such as bunk beds, a large queen bed, a shower and tub combo, and a large refrigerator.

Oregon Trailer Do Drop

The Oregon Trailer Do Drop is perfect for those on a tight budget, with most trailers priced around $6,000. It is highly customizable and can be equipped for paved roads or off-roading. It offers two configurations: 3.5 feet wide or 4 feet wide, depending on your space requirements.

The American Dream Trailer

The American Dream Trailer is a retro-style trailer with a fun twist. The roof of the trailer doubles as a removable boat that can carry up to three people. It also features a full-size mattress bedroom, pop-out windows, an external tailgate, and a rear-mounted storage and cooking galley.

BCT Moab Gobi Trailer

Nicknamed the "Mother of All Adventure Bivouacs," the BCT Moab Gobi Trailer is packed with essential equipment. It offers comfortable sleeping arrangements for up to three people and spacious storage layouts. It also includes an exterior kitchen with a dual-burner camp stove and a functional sink.

CVT Off-Road Trailer

The CVT Off-Road Trailer is a minimalist trailer focused more on carrying gear than sleeping people. It is built with sturdy steel and equipped with off-road tires and a 7-way trailer plug and bus system. It can comfortably accommodate two people in its rooftop tent, and upgrades are available for additional power.

Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro

The Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro is a lightweight camper trailer that is easily towable by small SUVs or powerful cars with a hitch. With seven unique floor plans, four of the layouts are priced under $10,000. The unloaded weight of the camper ranges from 1,133 to 3,161 lbs, and its length is between 11 and 21 feet from hitch to fender.

The Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro is packed with features that make it a great buy. It comes with a Wi-Fi ranger, a 20,000 BTU furnace, tinted frameless windows, and a roof mount solar panel. It also has external speakers, a manual awning, and an optional tongue mount bike rack.

The E-Pro's compact design maximizes space, making it perfect for couples or small families. The camper sleeps 2-4 people and has a variety of floor plan options to choose from, depending on your needs.

The Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro is an excellent choice for those looking for a lightweight and affordable camper trailer that doesn't compromise on features and comfort. With its spacious interior, modern amenities, and easy towability, the E-Pro is perfect for your weekend getaways and outdoor adventures.

Frequently asked questions