There are many things to love about small travel trailers, including their compact size, easy towability, and more affordable price.
But one of the biggest drawbacks of small trailers is they don’t always make great RVs for full-time living.
As small campers often lack interior space, features, and amenities that make full-time RVing not only doable but actually enjoyable.
The good news, however, is there are actually quite a few small trailers on the road today that make ideal full-time RVs.
So to help you find all the best small travel trailers for full-time living, we’ve highlighted 10 of the most popular choices among full-time RVers.
By providing a quick overview of each camper, including its specs, floorplan, and why it’s great for full-time living.
Plus, we also include a video tour of each trailer from actual full-timers, to show you how they live in the RV full-time.
Popular Small Travel Trailers for Full-Time Living (Smallest to Largest)
| Make/Model/Trim | Length | Sleeping Capacity | Bathroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Scamp 13 Standard Trailer | 13′ | 4 | N/A |
| 2. Scamp 16 Deluxe Trailer | 16′ | 3 | Wet Bath |
| 3. Airstream Bambi 16RB | 16′ 1″ | 4 | Wet Bath |
| 4. Forest River Viking 17SBH | 20′ 5″ | 5 | Dry Bath |
| 5. Dutchmen Coleman 17B | 21′ 5″ | 5 | Dry Bath |
| 6. Airstream Bambi 22FB | 21′ 11″ | 4 | Dry Bath |
| 7. Grand Design Imagine XLS 17MKE | 21′ 11″ | 4 | Dry Bath |
| 8. Forest River R-Pod RP-192 | 22′ 2″ | 3 | Dry Bath |
| 9. Forest River Rockwood Mini Lite 2104S | 22′ 4″ | 4 | Dry Bath |
| 10. Lance 2285 | 27′ 6″ | 4 | Dry Bath |
1. Scamp 13 Standard Trailer
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $17,000
- Length: 13 Feet
- Dry Weight: 1,200 – 1,500 Pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: 4
- Bathroom: N/A
- Slide-Outs – None
Even though the Scamp 13 Standard Trailer won’t be for 99% of RVers looking for a small travel trailer to full-time in, due to its tiny size.
We still chose to include the 13-foot Scamp on this list.
As this ultra-compact lightweight camper from Scamp provides an important reminder that you can really live in any small camper, no matter its size or features.
And that’s exactly what Elsa Rhae and Barron from the above video prove, as they’ve lived in a 13-foot Scamp trailer for years.
Scamp 13 Standard Layout 1
Living in such a small space that’s technically only 10 feet of actual living space does require some pretty major sacrifices though.
As their Scamp floorplan, the Standard Layout 1 only offers a rear convertible dinette booth, a front bench that converts into tiny bunk beds, a little kitchenette, and a small amount of storage space.
This means that this little stand-up camper has no bathroom, which can be a real issue if you’re trying to live in the trailer.
But adding this bathroom reduces the sleeping capacity of the trailer by two and makes the trailer feel even more cramped inside.
Regardless of floorplan though, the Scamp 13 is only suited to full-time RVers looking for the smallest and lightest camper possible that don’t mind sacrificing convenience and comfort to do so.
Why It’s Great for Full-Time Living
- Offers Versatile Convertible Dinette Booth
- Includes a Front Bench that Converts to Bunk Beds for Extra Sleeping Capacity
- Provides a Small Kitchenette for Cooking Meals
- Lots of Windows Helps the Trailer Feel Bigger Than It Is
For more information on the Scamp 13 Standard Trailer and to find out how to order one, check out Scamp’s website by clicking here.
2. Scamp 16 Deluxe Trailer
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $29,000
- Length: 16 Feet
- Dry Weight: 2,200 – 2,600 Pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: 3
- Bathroom: 3-Piece Wet Bath
- Slide-Outs – None
If you like the idea of the above 13-foot Scamp trailer but feel like it’s just too small for full-time living, you might want to check out the Scamp 16 Deluxe Trailer.
As the 16-foot Scamp offers not only an extra three feet of living space but also offers a wet bath on most of its floorplans, including the one featured here.
Because of this, the Scamp 16 Deluxe Trailer is what’s considered a self-contained camper, as it has everything you need to be self-sufficient.
Including a place to sleep, a place to cook and eat meals, and a place to use the restroom, all without leaving the trailer.
Scamp 16 Deluxe Trailer Layout B
Because of the 16-foot Scamp’s smaller size though, this camper is really only suited for singles or couples like the ones in the above video, which upgraded from a tiny Toyota motorhome.
It’s amazing what you can do with such a small trailer that’s only 16 feet in length and 13 feet of living space though.
As this couple has everything they need to not just survive but thrive inside their ultra-compact lightweight camper.
And the best part is because this Scamp trailer is so small and lightweight, it can go places other RVs can’t and be pulled by smaller tow vehicles, like SUVs and small trucks.
Why It’s Great for Full-Time Living
- Fully Self-Contained Travel Trailer
- Offers a 3-Piece Wet Bath
- Lots of Windows Helps the Trailer Feel Bigger Than It Is
- Wood Cabinetry Provides a Homey Feel Inside
- Offers Versatile Convertible Dinette Booth
- Provides a Small Kitchenette for Cooking Meals
To learn more about the Scamp 16 Deluxe Trailer and see its other floorplans, check out Scamp’s website by clicking here.
3. Airstream Bambi 16RB
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $55,000
- Length: 16 Feet 1 Inch
- Dry Weight: 3,000 Pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: 4
- Bathroom: 2-Piece Wet Bath
- Slide-Outs – None
Another great small travel trailer perfect for full-time singles or couples is the Airstream Bambi 16RB, which has a length of just over 16 feet and an unloaded vehicle weight of 3,000 pounds.
Putting the 16RB squarely in the ultra-lightweight compact travel trailer category.
Despite the camper’s smaller size though, the 16RB still has everything you’d need to full-time in the RV, including a fixed rear east-to-west full-size bed, a front convertible dinette booth, a little kitchenette, and a compact two-piece wet bath.
Airstream Bambi 16RB Floorplan
To be fair though, because of the camper’s tiny size, it’s not going to be for everyone looking to full-time in a small travel trailer.
As the Bambi 16RB has a very tiny wet bath, which might be fine for short camping trips but can get annoying long term.
As the bathroom is not only very cramped to use but everything is constantly wet inside, including the toilet seat.
Plus, the bathroom is only a two-piece wet bath and lacks a sink, forcing you to use the kitchen sink, as both the kitchen and bathroom sink.
In addition, because this camper is an Airstream, like all other Airstream models, the Bambi offers no slide-out, which can make the trailer feel cramped inside.
Also, it’s worth pointing out that while this Bambi trailer can sleep four, thanks to its front convertible dinette booth, for everyone’s sanity, it’s best not to use this camper for full-time family living, as it’s just too small for families.
Why It’s Great for Full-Time Living
- Fully Self-Contained Travel Trailer
- Provides a 2-Piece Wet Bath
- High-End Finishes Offer a Very Premium Feel Inside
- Has a Fixed East-to-West Bed Providing a Permanent Place to Sleep
- Offers a Versatile Convertible Dinette Booth
- Includes a Small Kitchenette for Cooking Meals
For more info on the Airstream Bambi 16RB, check out Airstream’s website by clicking here.
4. Forest River Viking 17SBH
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $21,000
- Length: 20 Feet 5 Inches
- Dry Weight: 2,896 Pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: 5
- Bathroom: 2-Piece Dry Bath
- Slide-Outs – None
If at this point you’re thinking that only solo RVers or couples can full-time in a small travel trailer, the family of four in the above video should show you otherwise.
As this young family, with two little ones is living their best life in a 20-foot camper.
Specifically the Forest River Viking 17SBH, a bunkhouse camper capable of sleeping five, thanks to its front full-size bed, mid-convertible dinette booth, and rear single bunk beds.
Forest River Viking 17SBH Floorplan
Popular with families or anyone needing to sleep a lot of people, bunkhouse travel trailers make the perfect small camper for full-time living.
As bunkhouse models offer sleeping capacity not possible in other RV trim levels and floorplans.
The Viking 17SBH offers more than just a large sleeping capacity though, as the trailer also offers a nice-size kitchenette for all your cooking needs and the first dry bathroom on this list.
As the 17SBH has a dry bath with a separate shower and toilet, which is always preferable to a wet bath in an RV, especially when you’re full-timing in one.
The bathroom in the Forest River Viking 17SBH is missing one component though to make it a true full bathroom, which is a bathroom sink and vanity.
Because of this, like the above Bambi 16RB, the Viking 17SBH requires you to use the kitchen sink as a bathroom sink as well, which is less than ideal when full-time RVing.
Overall, though this bunkhouse trailer is a great option for families wanting to full-time RV in a small travel trailer.
Why It’s Great for Full-Time Living
- Large Sleeping Capacity Ideal for Full-Time RV Families
- Bunkhouse Design Provides a Separate Private Space for Kids
- Fully Self-Contained Travel Trailer
- Offers a 2-Piece Dry Bath
- 12-Foot Awning Provides Extra Outdoor Living Space
- Fixed East-to-West Bed Provides a Permanent Place to Sleep
- Includes a Nice Size Kitchenette for Cooking Meals
- Ample Interior and Exterior Storage Space
To learn more about the Forest River Viking 17SBH, check out Forest River’s website by clicking here.
5. Dutchmen Coleman 17B
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $20,000
- Length: 21 Feet 5 Inches
- Dry Weight: 2,985 Pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: 5
- Bathroom: 2-Piece Dry Bath
- Slide-Outs – None
Another great bunkhouse camper great for full-time family living is the Dutchmen Coleman 17B, which has a very similar floorplan to the above Forest River Viking 17SBH.
In fact, these two compact travel trailers have pretty much the exact same layout, with a front east-to-west bed, a mid-kitchen, and a rear dry bath.
As well as rear single bunk beds, which is always great for kids.
As bunk beds provide a personal space in the RV kids can call their own, acting like their bedroom.
Dutchmen Coleman 17B Floorplan
As similar as these two trailers are though, there are a few differences between the two.
Starting with the front fixed bed, as this camper offers a short RV queen bed, while the above Viking 17SBH only offers a full-size bed.
In addition, this model features a side-mount air conditioner, while the Viking 17SBH offers a roof-mount air conditioner.
Overall, though both bunkhouse campers are great, and so similar that if you’re trying to decide between the two it really comes down to personal tastes more than anything else.
As both small bunkhouse trailers make a great home for full-time RVing with kids.
Why It’s Great for Full-Time Living
- Large Sleeping Capacity Ideal for Full-Time RV Families
- Bunkhouse Design Provides a Separate Private Space for Kids
- Fully Self-Contained Travel Trailer
- Has a Large Fixed East-to-West RV Queen Bed
- Offers a 2-Piece Dry Bath
- Includes a Nice Size Kitchenette with Lots of Cabinet Space
- Ample Interior and Exterior Storage Space
For more information on the Dutchmen Coleman 17B, check out Dutchmen’s website by clicking here.
6. Airstream Bambi 22FB
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $65,000
- Length: 21 Feet 11 Inches
- Dry Weight: 3,900 Pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: 4
- Bathroom: 3-Piece Dry Bath
- Slide-Outs – None
There’s nothing cheap about Airstreams, as this Airstream Bambi and the above Bambi (#3 on the list) prove.
As Airstreams are some of the most expensive travel trailers you can buy.
As the old saying goes though, “You get what you pay for”, and this is just as true about RVs as anything else.
Because while the Airstream Bambi, which is the smallest “Silver Bullet” trailer Airstream makes is expensive, it also offers features, finishes, and benefits you won’t find on any other camper.
Including an all-aluminum hand-riveted interior and exterior shell, high-quality modern finishes and components, excellent value retention, superb build quality and longevity, and an iconic timeless brand.
Airstream Bambi 22FB Floorplan
And while these things might not be as important to weekend warriors on a budget, for full-time RVers, spending a little more on the camper might make sense.
Because let’s face it, you’ll be spending far more time in the RV than your typical RVer that might only spend a few weeks a year in the trailer.
Speaking specifically about the Bambi 22FB though, this premium small camper from Airstream continues to be a top pick for full-time RVers and Airstream Owners, thanks to its well laid out floorplan and top-notch amenities.
As the Bambi 22FB offers a private front bedroom with panoramic windows, a large fixed east-to-west bed, and a privacy curtain.
As well as a large U-shaped convertible dinette booth and a well-equipped kitchen, with everything you need for meal prep and cooking.
Plus, the 22FB is also the first trailer on this list to offer a true three-piece dry bath, with a separate shower, toilet, and bathroom sink.
Why It’s Great For Full-Time Living
- Fully Self-Contained Travel Trailer
- More Premium Finishes and Appliances
- Has a Private Front Bedroom with a Divider Curtain
- Offers a Full 3-Piece Dry Bath
- Has a Large Convertible U-Shaped Dinette Booth for Lounging and Eating
- Includes a Larger Well-Equipped Kitchen
- Ample Interior Storage Space
To learn more about the Airstream Bambi 22FB and why it makes a great camper for full-time living, check out Airstream’s website by clicking here.
7. Grand Design Imagine XLS 17MKE
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $33,500
- Length: 21 Feet 11 Inches
- Dry Weight: 4,674 Pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: 4
- Bathroom: 3-Piece Dry Bath
- Slide-Outs – 1
There are many things that make the Grand Design Imagine XLS 17MKE the perfect small couple’s travel trailer for full-time living.
However, there are four main ones that really stand out.
Starting first with its Murphy bed, as the Imagine XLS 17MKE features a front queen Murphy bed that folds away to reveal a large couch underneath.
Allowing the front of the trailer to serve as both a living room and a bedroom, which is ideal for a camper that’s only 22 feet in length.
As the Murphy bed layout allows you to maximize the space inside the trailer.
Grand Design Imagine XLS 17MKE Floorplan
Another noteworthy feature of this Grand Design Imagine that makes it ideal for full-timers is its mid-slide-out.
As the trailer’s slide helps to open up the interior and gives it a much more spacious feel, which makes living in the trailer much more comfortable as well as enjoyable.
The large rear corner dry bath is also a nice touch on this trailer.
As Grand Design managed to fit a surprisingly spacious and well-equipped bathroom with an extra large countertop in this compact camper.
The best and last feature that makes the trailer perfect for full-time RV living though has to be its large L-shaped kitchen.
As the RV kitchen in the Imagine XLS 17MKE is second to none for a travel trailer its size.
As the 17MKE has tons of cabinet and counter space, an 8 cubic foot double door refrigerator, a three-burner gas stove with an oven, a microwave, and a deep stainless steel sink with a residential-style faucet.
Making this trailer perfect for amateur chefs or for anyone that just loves to cook.
Why It’s Great for Full-Time Living
- Murphy Bed Layout Maximizes Interior Space
- Slide-Out Provides a More Open and Spacious Interior
- Fully Self-Contained Travel Trailer
- Offers a Full 3-Piece Dry Bath
- Has a Massive Upgraded L-Shaped Kitchen
- Ample Interior and Exterior Storage Space
- 14-Foot Awning Provides Extra Outdoor Living Space
For more info on the Grand Design Imagine XLS 17MKE and to see a virtual tour of the interior, check out Grand Design’s website by clicking here.
8. Forest River R-Pod RP-192
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $25,500
- Length: 22 Feet 2 Inches
- Dry Weight: 4,059 Pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: 3
- Bathroom: 3-Piece Dry Bath
- Slide-Outs – None
The Forest River R-Pod is one of the most popular small campers on the road today.
But what many people don’t know is that they also make great full-time RVs.
There’s more to this Forest River R-Pod RP-192 than just its bathroom though.
As the camper is also packed with other amenities that allow it to function as a home.
Including a queen Murphy bed with a comfy sofa underneath, a well-equipped kitchenette with a large double-door refrigerator, a convertible dinette booth for two, and plenty of interior and exterior storage space.
Forest River R-Pod RP-192 Floorplan
Just because the RP-192 has everything it needs to function as a home though, doesn’t necessarily make it one, as it’s often the interior and its decor that really help the camper feel like a home.
The good news though is that this is where the R-Pod RP-192 really shines.
As the trailer has a spacious interior despite its curved teardrop shape, residential-style shaker cabinetry, designer carefree flooring, decorative window treatments, accent lighting, and mini blinds in the kitchen.
Why It’s Great for Full-Time Living
- Murphy Bed Layout Maximizes Interior Space
- Fully Self-Contained Travel Trailer
- Has a Well-Equipped Kitchenette
- Upgraded Interior Decor Help it Feel Like a Home
- Offers a Full 3-Piece Dry Bath
- Ample Interior and Exterior Storage Space
- 11-Foot Power Awning Provides Extra Outdoor Living Space
For more info on the Forest River R-Pod RP-192 and to see a 3D tour of the interior, check out Forest River’s website by clicking here.
9. Forest River Rockwood Mini Lite 2104S
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $33,000
- Length: 22 Feet 4 Inches
- Dry Weight: 4,977 Pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: 4
- Bathroom: 3-Piece Dry Bath
- Slide-Outs – 1
Another popular small couples trailer that makes a great RV for full-time living is the Forest River Rockwood Mini Lite 2104S.
As this Rockwood Mini Lite, which the above couple calls home is loaded with comfort and convenience features.
Beginning with the trailer’s Murphy bed layout, which allows you to use the front of the camper as both a bedroom and a living room, thanks to the trailer’s fold-up RV queen and sofa underneath.
A nice feature the 2104S has though that not all Murphy bed floorplans have is a privacy curtain separating the front of the camper from the rest of the living space.
Forest River Rockwood Mini Lite 2104S Floorplan
Which makes the RV particularly ideal for full-timers.
As the privacy curtain helps to provide some separation and a semi-private front bedroom, allowing one person to stay up without disturbing the other.
Beyond the trailer’s Murphy bed layout though, the couch under the bed isn’t the only place to sit in this camper, as the Mini Lite 2104S also features a large comfy U-shaped dinette booth as well.
Which not only provides a place to share a meal but also makes a great place to just hang out and relax.
And because the U-shaped dinette booth is built on a slide-out, it also helps to open up the interior of this tiny camper.
Giving the RV a much more open and spacious feel than you might expect from a travel trailer that’s only 22 feet long.
The amenities don’t stop there though on the 2104S, as the camper also offers a full three-piece dry bath as well.
Plus, an upgraded small L-shaped kitchen with a battery-saving 12-volt fridge, a three-burner gas cooktop, a 21-inch gas oven, a microwave, a pantry, and solid surface countertops.
Why It’s Great for Full-Time Living
- Murphy Bed Layout Maximizes Interior Space
- Slide-Out Provides a More Open and Spacious Interior
- Fully Self-Contained Travel Trailer
- Has an Upgraded L-Shaped Kitchen
- Offers a Full 3-Piece Dry Bath
- Ample Interior and Exterior Storage Space
- Oversized 15-Foot Awning Provides Extra Outdoor Living Space
For more information on the Forest River Rockwood Mini Lite 2104S and to see a 3D interior tour, check out Forest River’s website by clicking here.
10. Lance 2285
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $65,000
- Length: 27 Feet 6 Inches
- Dry Weight: 5,775 Pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: 4
- Bathroom: 3-Piece Split Dry Bath
- Slide-Outs – 1
The last trailer on this list of small campers for full-time living certainly isn’t the least.
In fact, the Lance 2285 is the largest trailer on this list with an exterior length of 27 feet 6 inches and an interior length of 22 feet 6 inches.
Comparatively speaking though, the 2285 is still a pretty small travel trailer, as there are many campers that are 30 feet long and some that are over 40 feet long!
With that extra length and size though, the Lance 2285 is able to offer interior space and amenities smaller campers never could.
Making the 2285 model a great option for those wanting a smaller full-time trailer, but don’t want to go too small.
As they still want some of the comfort and luxury that only a larger travel trailer can offer.
And the Lance 2285 trailer does a great job of accomplishing this.
Lance 2285 Floorplan
As this semi-small camper is on the shorter and lighter side while offering features a 24-foot camper and even a 26-foot camper never could.
As this condensed trailer offers over 22 feet of floor space, both a large U-shaped dinette booth and a couch, dual entrances, a larger kitchen, and a private front bedroom with a fixed north-to-south bed.
And because this trailer is a Lance, it offers true 4-season capability for year-round living in the trailer.
Thanks to numerous cold-weather features, like high-density block foam insulation, an enclosed underbelly, insulated and heated holding tanks, and Thermopane windows.
Making the trailer ideal for RVers that want to full-time in colder weather, and don’t always want to head South when the temperature starts to drop outside.
Why It’s Great for Full-Time Living
- Four Season Capability
- Fully Self-Contained Travel Trailer
- More Premium Finishes and Appliances
- Has a Private Front Bedroom with a Separate Entrance
- Offers a Split 3-Piece Dry Bath
- Slide-Out Provides a More Open and Spacious Interior
- Lots of Seating
- Includes a Larger Well-Equipped Rear Kitchen
To learn more about the Lance 2285, check out Lance’s website by clicking here.
Wrap-Up
Finding the perfect small travel trailer for full-time RV living is no small feat.
As every RVer is going to have different needs and wants for their full-time rig, whether that be a spacious living room with a slide-out, a well-equipped kitchen, a large sleeping capacity, a full bathroom, or lots of extra storage space.
However, with a little research and some careful consideration, finding that perfect small camper is definitely achievable.
So to help you get started, we explored 10 of the most popular options for full-time small RV living, each offering unique features and benefits that cater to different RV lifestyles.
From the ultra-compact and lightweight Scamp 13 Standard Trailer to the spacious and luxurious Lance 2285.
Regardless of which trailer you choose though, we hope this list has helped narrow down your search or at least shown what’s possible in a small camper.
So you can embrace the minimalist lifestyle, enjoy the beauty of nature, and have the freedom to immerse yourself in diverse experiences only found on the open road.
To see some of the top RV Parks for full-time living, check out our blog post “Best RV Parks for Full-Time Living: By State”.
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