There are literally hundreds of different RVs and RV models on the market today and what seems like an endless amount of choices and options.

So it can be a real challenge for new RVers to know which RV is the best RV for beginners and which one might be right for their particular needs.  

As each RV beginner will have specific needs depending on the size of their family and what type of camping they want to do.  

So we broke this list of the Best RVs for Beginners into the different RV classes and ranked them by size from smallest to largest.  

So no matter your particular needs or wants, you will be able to find the perfect beginner RV for you and your family. 

Best RVs for Beginners: By RV Class (From Smallest to Largest)

Model	RV Class	Length	Cost
Aliner Scout Lite	Pop Up	13′	$12,000
Forest River Rockwood High Wall HW277	Pop Up	19′ 6″	$21,000
Thor Motor Coach Sequence 20A	Class B	20′ 11″	$80,000
Winnebago Travato 59G	Class B	21′	$100,000
Coachmen Viking Saga 17SBH	Travel Trailer	20′ 4″	$14,000
Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro G20BHS	Travel Trailer	21′ 2″	$21,000
Thor Motor Coach Compass 23TW	Class B+	23′ 6″	$85,000
Coachmen Cross Trek 21XG	Class B+	24′ 1″	$90,000
Thor Four Winds 22E	Class C	24′	$65,000
Winnebago Minnie Winnie 31K	Class C	32′ 9″	$90,000
Winnebago Intent 28Y	Class A	28′ 11″	$90,000
Thor Motor Coach A.C.E. 32.3	Class A	33′ 5″	$100,000

Best Pop Up Campers for Beginners

Pop-up campers are some of the most affordable and smallest RVs on the road today, which is why they’re so popular with RV beginners.  

And while pop-ups are not the most luxurious of RVs, as most have canvas walls and many do not come equipped with a bathroom.

If you’re used to primarily tent camping, pop-up campers provide a huge improvement in comfort and livability. 

As most pop-ups come standard with a small kitchenette, running water, electricity, a dinette booth, and large queen beds.  

1. Aliner Scout Lite

Quick Specs

• RV Class:  Pop Up Camper
• Cost:  $12,000
• Closed Length  / Open Length:  13 Feet / 13 Feet
• Dry Weight:  1,180 Pounds
• Sleeps:  3
• Slides:  0

One of the more unique pop-up campers on the market today is the Aliner pop-up camper, which combines the convenience and compact size of a pop-up with the sturdiness and noise deadening capabilities of a hard-sided trailer.  

Providing the best of both worlds from pop-up campers and travel trailers.  

And one of the more popular versions of the Aliner pop-up camper is the Aliner Scout Lite, which is the lightest and cheapest pop-up camper Aliner makes.

Why It’s Great for RV Beginners

At only 13 feet long and a dry weight of 1,180 pounds this lightweight pop-up camper is great for RV beginners, as it’s easy to tow and fits comfortably in any campsite.

The simple and basic design of this camper, also, means there less to go wrong and less to maintain which is great for a new RVer just starting out.  

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2. Forest River Rockwood High Wall HW277

Quick Specs

• RV Class:  Pop Up Camper
• Cost:  $21,000
• Closed Length  / Open Length:  19 Feet 6 Inches / 25 Feet 9 Inches
• Dry Weight:  3,334 Pounds
• Sleeps:  6
• Slides:  1

When you’re ready for the ultimate in pop-up campers, you need to look no further than the Forest River Rockwood High Wall HW277.

As this pop-up camper from Forest River has everything you could want in a small camper and then some including a fully functioning wet bath.  

This versatile pop-up camper also has a slide-out providing additional floor space, a well equipped mini kitchen, and the ability to sleep 6 campers comfortably at a time thanks to the two large beds on either side of the camper and the convertible dinette booth.  

Why It’s Great for RV Beginners

Even though this pop-camper has an open length of 25 feet 9 inches, when it’s closed up in travel mode it only has a length of 19 feet 6 inches long, which is very manageable for even the most novice of RV drivers.

Also, with a price of just over $20,000, this pop-up camper is a great budget-friendly option that won’t break the bank, for RV beginners just starting out.  

Best Class B RVs for Beginners

Class B RVs or camper vans as there sometimes called are the smallest driveable RV you can buy and because of this, they make great RVs for beginners.  

Which is why the Class B RV segment is one of the fastest-growing in the industry, as new RVers are looking for a compact and easy to drive RV that can take them pretty much anywhere.

So if you’re looking for a small versatile RV that gets great gas mileage and will fit in the tightest of spaces, you should definitely check out the popular Class B RV.  

3. Thor Motor Coach Sequence 20A

Quick Specs

• RV Class:  Class B
• Cost:  $80,000
• Length:  20 Feet 11 Inches
• Gross Vehicle Weight:  9,350 Pounds
• Sleeps:  4
• Slides:  0

Even though $80,000 doesn’t seem like much of a bargain compared to other types of RVs, the Thor Motor Coach Sequence 20A is actually one of the cheapest Class B RVs you can buy.

Making this Class B RV by Thor, one of the best options for RV beginners that want a small drivable RV at the most affordable price possible.  

In addition, this Class B RV is also equipped with a pop-top, allowing this compact Class B RV the ability to sleep four at a time.

Why It’s Great for RV Beginners

With a length of just under 21 feet and a total weight of 9,350 pounds, this class B RV is very easy to handle and maneuver while going down the road, which helps to provide a very beginner-friendly driving experience for new RVers. 

Also, because this RV is one of the cheapest Class B RVs you can buy, it’s great for beginner RVers shopping on a budget.   

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4. Winnebago Travato 59G

Quick Specs

• RV Class:  Class B
• Cost:  $100,000
• Length:  21 Feet
• Gross Vehicle Weight:  9,350 Pounds
• Sleeps:  2
• Slides:  0

Another really popular Class B RV for RV beginners is the Winnebago Travato 59G, which features a large rear corner wet bath as well as a good-sized fixed bed.

Which is nice because it allows you to leave the bed in place instead of having to break the bed down every day when you wake up which is common in campervans.  

And just like the Thor Sequence from above, the Winnebago Travato rides on the RAM Pro Master chassis which is one of the most popular van chasses in Class B RVs, thanks to its excellent drivability, affordable price, and abundant safety features.  

Why It’s Great for RV Beginners

The small and compact size of the Winnebago Travato makes this RV a great choice for beginners looking for an easy to drive RV.

Also, with a length of only 21 feet and a width of just 6 feet 9 inches, this small Class B RV can fit comfortably in just about any RV campsite with room to spare.

Best Travel Trailers for Beginners

Travel trailers and especially small travel trailers are one of the best options for RV beginners, in my opinion, because they are easy to tow, are priced affordably, and provide a lot of bang for your buck.  

As travel trailers are usually less than 25 feet in length with a dry weight of fewer than 5,000 pounds, allowing them to be towed by a wide variety of vehicles.  

In addition, well-equipped travel trailers with full kitchens, dry baths, and heating and cooling are usually priced anywhere between $15,000 to $25,000.  

Allowing almost anyone the ability to get into RVing regardless of their budget.  

5. Coachmen Viking Saga 17SBH

Quick Specs

• RV Class:  Travel Trailer
• Cost:  $14,000
• Length:  20 Feet 4 Inches
• Dry Weight:  2,959 Pounds
• Sleeps:  5
• Slides:  0

One of the most affordable travel trailers currently on the market is the Coachmen Viking Saga 17SBH that has a very budget-friendly price of only $14,000.  

Making this small travel a great option for any RV beginner looking for an entry-level RV.

But despite this travel trailer’s budget-friendly price, Coachmen still managed to add a lot of really nice features to this camper including a fully functioning kitchen, a dry bath with a tub/shower combo and toilet, and rear bunk beds which are great for kids.

In addition, thanks to the multiple sleeping spaces inside this trailer, this camper can actually sleep up to five campers at a time making it an excellent option for families.

Why It’s Great for RV Beginners

This small travel trailer by Coachmen has one of the most affordable prices you will find across all the different RV classes, making this camper a great option for RV beginners.

In addition, with an overall length of only 20 feet 4 inches and a dry weight of fewer than 3,000 pounds this small travel trailer is very easy to tow and can be pulled by a wide variety of small trucks as well as SUVs.

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6. Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro G20BHS

Quick Specs

• RV Class:  Travel Trailer
• Cost:  $21,000
• Length:  21 Feet 2 Inches
• Dry Weight:  3,513 Pounds
• Sleeps:  6
• Slides:  1

One of my personal favorites, when it comes to small travel trailers is the Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro which is available in 13 different models and floorplans.

But perhaps one of the most popular options in the Rockwood Geo Pro lineup is the Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro G20BHS which has rear bunk beds, a slide-out, and sleeping capacity for up to 6 campers at a time.  

If you’re looking for a feature-packed RV, at an affordable price, the Rockwood Geo Pro is hard to beat, thanks to all the premium standard features including Azdel exterior panels, standard solar power, and slide which really helps to open up the interior of this small camper.   

Why It’s Great for RV Beginners

At only 21 feet 2 inches long with a dry weight of around 3,500 pounds, this small compact travel trailer is great for a new RVer that wants to keep the overall length and weight down.

Also, thanks to the 3,500-pound dry weight, this small travel trailer can be pulled by a wide variety of tow vehicles including small trucks and SUVs.

And finally, with an average price of only $21,000, this RV makes a great option for those beginner campers that want a lot of comfort and amenities at an affordable price.  

Best Class B+ RVs for Beginners

Class B+ RVs are a relatively new RV class in the industry, that’s a cross between a Class B and Class C RV, providing advantages from both.

As a Class B+ RV utilizes a van chassis like the Class B but instead of building the RV inside the van body, Class B+ RVs use a cutaway body similar to Class C RVs, which provides a superior amount of interior space and flexibility.

Making these RVs perfect for RV beginners because it keeps the overall size of the RV to a minimum while still providing plenty of interior space.

7. Thor Motor Coach Compass 23TW

Quick Specs

• RV Class:  Class B+
• Cost:  $85,000
• Length:  23 Feet 6 Inches
• Gross Vehicle Weight:  11,000 Pounds
• Sleeps:  4
• Slides:  1

The Thor Motor Coach Compass 23TW is an amazing motorhome for RV beginners just starting out, as it keeps the overall size of the RV down while still managing to pack in a ton of amenities and floor space, thanks to a large full-body slide and cutaway body.  

It’s also easy to see how much effort Thor put into making this compact motorhome as convenient and comfortable as possible.  

By looking at all the included features of this RV such as a full three-piece dry bath, a large queen-sized bed, a large 68-inch convertible dinette booth, driver and passenger swivel seats, and a fully functioning kitchen with a convection microwave oven and large refrigerator.  

Why It’s Great for RV Beginners

This Class B+ RV by Thor is great for those first-time RVers that want the compact size and convenience of a Class B RV while still maintaining the interior space and comfort of a Class C RV.   

With a length of only 23 feet 6 inches and a width of 7 feet 5 inches, this RV is both easy to drive as well as easy to park.  

And with an average price of $85,000 this RV is one of the cheapest Class B+ RVs you can buy.

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8. Coachmen Cross Trek 21XG

Quick Specs

• RV Class:  Class B+
• Cost:  $90,000
• Length:  24 Feet 1 Inch
• Gross Vehicle Weight:  11,000 Pounds
• Sleeps:  3
• Slides:  0

If your an RV beginner that wants an RV built for adventure and outdoor activities then you definitely need to check out the Coachmen Cross Trek 21XG, due to its best-in-class storage capacity for outdoor gear.

As this unique Class B+ features a large rear exterior door and a flip-up murphy bed, that allows you to use the rear interior space of the RV to store a ton of outdoor gear like bikes, kayaks, or climbing gear while traveling.

Making this RV the perfect beginner RV for those campers that love outdoor sports and adventure or anyone needing to haul a lot of gear. 

Why It’s Great for RV Beginners

At only 24 feet 1 inch long and 7 feet 6 inches wide this Class B+ by Coachmen is very easy to drive and handle making it great for first-time RVers that don’t have a lot of experience driving RVs.

And thanks to the Ford Transit chassis and engine the RV has a very solid feel and a good amount of acceleration and stopping ability.  

Best Class C RVs for Beginners

Class C RVs need no introduction, as their pronounced overhead bunk that extends beyond the front windshield makes them instantly recognizable.  

And while they can be as long as 40 feet and weigh over 30,000 pounds, if you stick to the smaller Class C RVs, they can make great RVs for beginners.

As they are built on robust and sturdy truck chassis and usually have a lot of interior space and sleeping capacity making them great for families.

In addition, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly RV, Class C RVs are by far the cheapest driveable RVs on the market.

9. Thor Four Winds 22E

Quick Specs

• RV Class:  Class C
• Cost:  $65,000
• Length:  24 Feet or 24 Feet 6 Inches (Depending on Chassis)
• Gross Vehicle Weight:  12,300 or 12,500 Pounds (Depending on Chassis)
• Sleeps:  6
• Slides:  0

One of the most affordable Class C RVs on the road today is the Thor Four Winds 22E, which is one of the reasons why this well-equipped motorhome is so great for beginners.  

Built on either the Ford E Series chassis or the Chevy Express chassis, this smaller Class C RV from Thor has a very solid and stable feel thanks to its robust truck chassis and rear dual wheels, which helps to spread the weight and load more evenly across the back of the RV.

This Class C RV also has one of the more popular floorplans for Class C RVs, which helps to maximize interior space as well as sleeping capacity.

Why It’s Great for RV Beginners

The shorter length of just under 25 feet makes this smaller Class C easier to drive compared to larger Class C and Class A motorhomes.

In addition, the truck chassis and dual read wheels help this RV to have a very solid and stable feel while going down the road.

And with a price of $65,000, this is one of the cheapest motorhomes you can buy making it great for RVers just starting out. 

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10. Winnebago Minnie Winnie 31K

Quick Specs

• RV Class:  Class C
• Cost:  $90,000
• Length:  32 Feet 9 Inches
• Gross Vehicle Weight:  14,500 Pounds 
• Sleeps:  7
• Slides:  1

When you’re ready to move beyond the small basic Class C RV and looking for more interior space and luxury, the Winnebago Minnie Winnie 31K makes a great choice, thanks to its 32-foot length, large slide, seven-person sleeping capacity, and premium build quality. 

This larger Class C also offers a rear master bedroom with a full walk-around queen bed and two nice size wardrobes creating a private rear oasis in the back of the coach. 

And the main living area of this Class C RV, also, features best in class comfort and space thanks to its large slide, multiple seating areas, and well-appointed kitchen.

Why It’s Great for RV Beginners

Even though this Class C RV from Winnebago is larger than most RVs on this list, the size of the RV is still more than manageable for a beginner RV driver.

And because of its ample interior space and large sleeping capacity, this Class C RV is great for the RV beginner that has a large family or needs a lot of sleeping capacity. 

Best Class A RVs for Beginners

Class A RVs are one of the largest and heaviest RVs on the road today, with lengths often over 40 feet and weights in excess of 30,000 pounds.

Which might make you discount the Class A RV as a good choice for an RV beginner.

However, if you keep to the shorter lengths, Class A RVs can make a great choice for an RV beginner.

As Class A RVs are built on very sturdy bus chassis with dual rear wheels providing a very stable ride and feel.

In addition, Class A RVs have an elevated cockpit with a large front windshield, giving you a commanding view of the road.  

11. Winnebago Intent 28Y

Quick Specs

• RV Class:  Class A
• Cost:  $90,000
• Length:  28 Feet 11 Inches
• Gross Vehicle Weight:  18,000 Pounds 
• Sleeps:  6
• Slides:  3

With a length of just under 29 feet, the Winnebago Intent 28Y is one of the shortest Class A motorhomes you can buy and is actually shorter than most Class C RVs.  

Bult on the Ford F53 chassis and equipped with a 7.3 Liter V8 engine, this is one of the most powerful and robust RVs on this list, as well as one of the most spacious, thanks to its 3 separate slides, which provides a ton of usable interior space.   

Also, this Class A RV from Winnebago has numerous premium features including a walk-around queen-bed, huge wardrobe, L-shaped kitchen with tons of counter space, a roomy three-piece dry bath, and sleeping capacity for up to six campers at a time.  

Why It’s Great for RV Beginners

The Winnebago Intent 28Y is great for RV beginners that want the extra space and room of a Class A RV while still keeping the footprint and size on the smaller side. 

As the Class A RV is only 28 feet 11 inches long, making it one of the shortest Class A RVs you can buy.  

Also, while Winnebago is not the most affordable RV manufactuer, they are one of the most reliable, which makes it great for first-time RVers or any RVer for that matter, because it allows them to spend more time enjoying the RV and less time fixing it.  

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12. Thor Motor Coach A.C.E. 32.3

Quick Specs

• RV Class:  Class A
• Cost:  $100,000
• Length:  33 Feet 5 Inches
• Gross Vehicle Weight:  18,000 Pounds 
• Sleeps:  6
• Slides:  1

One of my favorite Class A RVs is the Thor Motor Coach A.C.E. 32.3, which recently had a nice redesign and update.

For those of you that don’t know about the Thor A.C.E. and what makes it so special in the Class A RV world. 

The A.C.E. acronym actually means Class A/Class C/Evolution.  

As this unique Class A is designed to be a hybrid between the Class A and C motorhome, by providing the body of a Class A and the floorplan and layout of a Class C, giving you the best of both worlds.  

Why It’s Great for RV Beginners

While this RV is the longest RV on this beginner RV list, at 33 feet 5 inches long, it’s still short enough for RV beginners to handle comfortably with a little bit of practice.

And while a $100,000 price tag might not seem that beginner-friendly, considering the fact that many Class A RVs can cost well over $200,000.

This Class A motorhome from Thor is actually on the cheaper side when it comes to Class A RV pricing.

How We Chose the Best RV for Beginners

At first glance, it might seem like the RVs on this list don’t have much in common.

But even though the RVs on this list do include many different types and sizes of RVs, they all share several commonalities that make them great for first-time RVers.

Smaller Size

While there is an obvious size difference between a pop-up camper and a Class A motorhome.

They both made this list because some RVers, even beginner ones, need a larger RV due to the size of their family or their particular needs.

But size was always one of the main considerations when choosing each RV on this list and we specifically chose smaller RVs in each of the respective classes.  

As lighter and shorter RVs are always easier to navigate and manage compared to heavier and larger ones.  

Affordable Price

While the price range on this list does range from $12,000 to $100,000.

When picking the best RVs for beginners, we focussed on more affordable and entry-level price points for each of the respective classes.  

As more affordable RVs are usually best for new RVers just starting out.

Easy to Drive or Tow

How easy the RV is to drive or tow is usually one of the biggest concerns for most new RVers just starting out. 

So when choosing the best RVs for beginners, we choose the easiest RVs to drive and tow, which almost always goes hand in hand with size and weight. 

As smaller and lighter RVs will always be easier to drive and tow compared to larger and heavier ones.