Travel trailers are one of the most affordable RV classes you can buy, with only teardrop trailers and pop-up campers offering a lower average cost.
However, even though they’re one of the most affordable that doesn’t mean every travel trailer is budget-friendly.
As large luxury travel trailers can cost well over $100,000, as is the case with many Airstream trailers.
In general though, if you’re shopping for an RV on a budget, the standard travel trailer is going to be your best bet.
As even the cheapest versions provide a good amount of features and interior space.
And to prove this, we’ve compiled the below list, which highlights some of the most popular and best travel trailers under $20,000.
Best Travel Trailers Under $20,000 (Least to Most Expensive)
| Make/Model/Trim | Average Cost | Length | Dry Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Braxton Creek Bushwhacker Plus 17FD | $14,000 | 18′ | 2,240 lbs |
| 2. Riverside RV Retro 135 | $16,500 | 15′ 9″ | 2,640 lbs |
| 3. Keystone RV Springdale Mini 1760BH | $17,000 | 21′ 5″ | 3,796 lbs |
| 4. Highland Ridge RV Open Range Conventional 19BH | $17,500 | 22′ 4″ | 3,460 lbs |
| 5. KZ RV Sportsmen Classic 130RB | $17,500 | 16′ 9″ | 2,350 lbs |
| 6. Forest River Cherokee Wolf Pup 14CC | $18,000 | 19′ 3″ | 2,884 lbs |
| 7. Gulf Stream Ameri-Lite Super Lite 197BH | $18,000 | 22′ 2″ | 3,663 lbs |
| 8. Forest River Salem FSX 179DBK | $18,500 | 22′ 6″ | 3,219 lbs |
| 9. Coachmen Clipper Ultra-Lite 162RBU | $19,500 | 19′ 9″ | 3,250 lbs |
| 10. Forest River Viking 182DBU | $19,500 | 22′ 3″ | 3,840 lbs |
1. Braxton Creek Bushwhacker Plus 17FD
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $14,000
- Length: 18 Feet
- Dry Weight: 2,240 Pounds
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 3,280 Pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: 4
- Bathroom: 2-Piece Wet Bath
The Braxton Creek Bushwhacker Plus 17FD is one of the cheapest travel trailers you can buy, with an average price of only $14,000.
However, don’t let its super cheap price tag fool you.
As this affordable camper still provides all the same features and amenities, found on more expensive models.
As the Bushwhacker Plus 17FD offers a four-person sleeping capacity, a full-featured galley, and seating for four, thanks to its front convertible dinette booth.
Plus, this completely self-contained camper also provides a two-piece wet bath, with a combined shower and toilet.
Braxton Creek Bushwhacker Plus 17FD Floorplan
And thanks to its onboard water pump and holding tanks, which include a 24-gallon freshwater, 18-gallon gray water, and 17-gallon black water tank, you have access to a functioning bathroom even when you’re boondocking.
Overall, the Braxton Creek Bushwhacker Plus 17FD is perfect for those looking for a simple yet dependable budget-friendly travel trailer for quick weekend getaways.
For more information on the Braxton Creek Bushwhacker Plus 17FD, be sure to check out Braxton Creek’s website by clicking here.
2. Riverside RV Retro 135
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $16,500
- Length: 15 Feet 9 Inches
- Dry Weight: 2,640 Pounds
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 3,500 Pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: 3
- Bathroom: 2-Piece Dry Bath
The Riverside Retro 135 is one of the most unique travel trailers on this list, due to its distinctive retro styling.
As the camper was designed to look like a 1950s trailer on the exterior as well as the interior.
Which might not be for everyone but certainly gives the trailer a very unique look and feel.
The best part though is that despite its throwback styling, the Retro 135 still has all the same features and amenities as a modern travel trailer because, after all, that’s what it is.
Starting with its two-piece dry bath, which is quite an upgrade for a travel trailer of this size.
Riverside RV Retro 135 Floorplan
As most compact lightweight campers have a wet bath, which combines all the bathroom fixtures into one small wet area often not much bigger than a closet.
To see other compact lightweight campers with a dry bath, check out our blog post “10 Smallest Travel Trailers with a Dry Bath“.
Moving on from the bathroom though, the Retro 135 also features a small galley, an east-to-west queen bed, and either a jack-knife sofa or an optional small dinette booth for two.
Plus, the Retro 135 also has a 13,500 BTU roof-mounted A/C, a 20,000 BTU furnace, a 6-foot awning, lots of interior storage space, and good-sized holding tanks.
For more information on the Riverside RV Retro 135, make sure to check out Riverside RV’s website by clicking here.
3. Keystone RV Springdale Mini 1760BH
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $17,000
- Length: 21 Feet 5 Inches
- Dry Weight: 3,796 Pounds
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 4,500 Pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: 6
- Bathroom: 3-Piece Dry Bath
If you’re looking for a travel trailer that’s under $20,000 but still has a spacious interior as well as a high sleeping capacity, then the Keystone RV Springdale Mini 1760BH needs to be on your shortlist.
As the Springdale Mini 1760BH has one of the most spacious interiors as well as one of the highest sleeping capacities in a sub-20K camper.
Due to the RV’s slide-out and four separate sleeping berths, which include a front east-to-west queen bed, a convertible dinette booth, and rear bunk beds.
Keystone RV Springdale Mini 1760BH Floorplan
That’s not all the comfort and convenience features this affordable travel trailer has to offer though.
As the Springdale Mini 1760BH also has a three-piece dry bath with a separate shower, toilet, and bathroom sink.
As well as a fully equipped galley, with a two-burner propane stove, a microwave, and a double door 6 cubic foot gas/electric refrigerator.
In addition, the 1760BH also offers several upgrades as well, including ducted A/C, in-floor heating ducts, an on-demand tankless water heater, a power awning with an LED light strip, and dual propane tanks.
For more info on the Keystone RV Springdale Mini 1760BH and to see a 3D tour of the interior, check out Keystone RV’s website by clicking here.
4. Highland Ridge RV Open Range Conventional 19BH
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $17,500
- Length: 22 Feet 4 Inches
- Dry Weight: 3,460 Pounds
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 4,450 Pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: 6
- Bathroom: 2-Piece Dry Bath
Another popular bunkhouse travel trailer that’s under 20K is the Highland Ridge RV Open Range Conventional 19BH, which has an average cost of $17,500.
Designed for families who need more sleeping capacity, the 19BH has four separate sleeping berths, including a front east-to-west queen bed, a convertible dinette booth, and two single bunk beds in the back corner of the trailer.
Which allows the Open Range Conventional 19BH to offer a max sleeping capacity of six.
Highland Ridge RV Open Range Conventional 19BH Floorplan
This camper from Highland Ridge RV has more to offer though than just extra sleeping capacity, as it also offers tons of comfort and convenience features as well.
Including a well-equipped galley, a dry bath, and as mentioned above, a large comfortable dinette booth that fits the whole family.
In addition, this single-axle trailer also offers several upgrades as well that aren’t always found on campers that cost less than $20,000.
Including residential vinyl flooring, hardwood cabinet door fronts, a large 13-foot power awning, a Magnum Roof system, rain guttering, and a PVC roofing membrane with a limited lifetime warranty.
For more info on the Highland Ridge RV Open Range Conventional 19BH and to see a 3D tour of the interior, check out Highland Ridge RV’s website by clicking here.
5. KZ RV Sportsmen Classic 130RB
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $17,500
- Length: 16 Feet 9 Inches
- Dry Weight: 2,350 Pounds
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 2,800 Pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: 3
- Bathroom: 2-Piece Dry Bath
One of the smallest and lightest travel trailers you can buy is the KZ RV Sportsmen Classic 130RB, which has a length of 16 feet 9 inches, and a dry weight of 2,350 pounds.
Making it the perfect option for those shopping on a budget that also have a more limited tow vehicle, like a small truck, compact SUV, or a four-cylinder vehicle.
As the trailer’s smaller size and lighter weight make it much easier to tow and maneuver.
KZ RV Sportsmen Classic 130RB Floorplan
However, as is the case with all budget travel trailers on this list, the Sportsmen Classic 130RB is a completely self-contained RV with everything you need for a quick weekend getaway or a multi-week camping trip.
As the camper has all the same amenities as larger and heavier travel trailers, just in a more compact lightweight design.
As the KZ RV Sportsmen Classic 130RB offers a three-person sleeping capacity, a two-piece dry bath, a fully equipped galley, and even a large dinette booth.
Plus, the trailer also includes several comfort and convenience features as well.
Such as a 10-foot power awning, exterior speakers, and keyed-alike baggage doors on the exterior.
As well as multiple USB charging ports, a built-in stereo with Bluetooth, and an easy-to-read tank monitoring panel on the interior.
For additional information on the KZ RV Sportsmen Classic 130RB and to see a 360-degree virtual tour of the interior, check out KZ RV’s website by clicking here.
6. Forest River Cherokee Wolf Pup 14CC
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $18,000
- Length: 19 Feet 3 Inches
- Dry Weight: 2,884 Pounds
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 3,900 Pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: 3
- Bathroom: Split 2-Piece Dry Bath
One of the most popular travel trailers under $20,000 is the Forest River Cherokee Wolf Pup 14CC, thanks to the trailer’s well-laid-out design and feature-rich interior.
Weighing in at just under 3,000 pounds this sub-20-foot travel trailer packs a lot of features and amenities into a small space.
Due in large part to its unique rear entry door, which allows all the features in the trailer to be placed on the side walls without any interruptions.
Which might not seem like a big deal, but actually makes a big difference in the interior layout and design of the trailer.
Forest River Cherokee Wolf Pup 14CC Floorplan
As the Cherokee Wolf Pup 14CC is able to fully utilize the side walls of the trailer by placing a small dinette booth on the camp side of the trailer and a compact galley on the opposite side.
And yet still have space left over for a rear split two-piece dry bath as well as a queen size bed at the front of the trailer.
Beyond its rear entry door though, the 14CC also offers many class-leading features as well for its size and price point, when the trailer is equipped with various packages.
As the 14CC like all Cherokee Wolf Pups can be equipped with upgrade packages, like the Wolf Pup Limited Package, the Camping Package, or the Adventure Package, which add different attributes and upgrades to the camper.
For example, if the trailer is equipped with the Wolf Pup Limited Package, the camper provides an on-demand tankless water heater, a 14-inch premium wheel package, a Cherokee backup camera system, tire-pressure monitoring, and a Wolf Pup quick jack, plus much much more.
For more information on the Forest River Cherokee Wolf Pup 14CC and to see all its available packages and options, check out Forest River’s website by clicking here.
7. Gulf Stream Ameri-Lite Super Lite 197BH
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $18,000
- Length: 22 Feet 2 Inches
- Dry Weight: 3,663 Pounds
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 5,058 Pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: 8
- Bathroom: 3-Piece Dry Bath
There are many things that make the Gulf Stream Ameri-Lite Super Lite 197BH stand out from other budget-priced travel trailers.
However, probably the three biggest are its wide-body design, sleeping arrangements, and high sleeping capacity.
Starting with its wide body design, the Ameri-Lite Super Lite 197BH has a full eight-foot width as opposed to the more common seven-foot width found on most other smaller entry-level trailers.
Allowing the 197BH to offer class-leading interior space, despite its lack of slide-outs.
Gulf Stream Ameri-Lite Super Lite 197BH Floorplan
After its wide body design, the next most distinguishing characteristic of this budget-friendly travel trailer has to be its sleeping arrangements.
Because not only is this camper a bunkhouse model with double bunk beds that can sleep two kids comfortably or two adults snugly, but it also has a front murphy bed as well.
Allowing the trailer to maximize its living space and sleeping space at the same time.
Because when the trailer is in its daytime mode, it offers not only a large dinette booth but also a comfortable couch as well.
While at the same time offering four separate sleeping berths, when the trailer is in nighttime mode.
Including the previously mentioned double bunk beds and convertible dinette booth, as well as a north-to-south queen murphy bed.
Which when combined provide one of the highest sleeping capacities available in a budget-friendly entry-level travel trailer.
For more information on the Gulf Stream Ameri-Lite Super Lite 197BH and to see a virtual tour of the interior, check out Gulf Stream’s website by clicking here.
8. Forest River Salem FSX 179DBK
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $18,500
- Length: 22 Feet 6 Inches
- Dry Weight: 3,219 Pounds
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 4,865 Pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: 8
- Bathroom: 3-Piece Dry Bath
Another bunkhouse model that has a very similar layout to the above Gulf Stream Ameri-Lite Super Lite 197BH is the Forest River Salem FSX 179DBK.
In fact, these two travel trailers have pretty much the exact same floor plan.
Featuring a front murphy bed, a camp side dinette booth, a full-featured galley, a corner three-piece dry bath, and double rear bunk beds.
Forest River Salem FSX 179DBK Floorplan
A few key differences set these two very similar campers apart, though.
For example, the Salem FSX 179DBK offers an outdoor kitchen, while the Ameri-Lite Super Lite 197BH does not.
In addition, the Salem FSX 179DBK also offers several upgraded features that the Ameri-Lite Super Lite 197BH doesn’t, including larger panoramic windows and a higher BTU furnace.
As well as a larger 11 cubic foot 12V refrigerator, an outside shower, and upgraded appliances when equipped with the Best-In-Class package.
In fairness though, the Ameri-Lite Super Lite 197BH also offers a few upgraded features that the Salem FSX 179DBK doesn’t.
Including a frosted glass window in the entry door, extra comfortable Teddy Bear bunk mats for the bunk beds, and an upgraded furniture package.
For more information on the Forest River Salem FSX 179DBK and to see a 3D tour of the interior, check out Forest River’s website by clicking here.
9. Coachmen Clipper Ultra-Lite 162RBU
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $19,500
- Length: 19 Feet 9 Inches
- Dry Weight: 3,250 Pounds
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 3,880 Pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: 2
- Bathroom: 3-Piece Dry Bath
Coming in at just under $20,000, the Coachmen Clipper Ultra-Lite 162RBU makes a great compact lightweight camper for couples.
As the Clipper Ultra-Lite 162RBU offers comfortable sleeping for two, thanks to its full-size front murphy bed.
As well as a comfortable place to hang out in the evening, thanks to its front oversized u-shaped dinette booth and opposing large entertainment center.
Coachmen Clipper Ultra-Lite 162RBU Floorplan
And because this camper is able to focus more on comfort and less on sleeping capacity, it’s able to offer features not usually found on sub-20-foot trailers.
Starting with the trailer’s large rear bathroom, which takes up the entire back wall of the camper and offers a large vanity with sink and medicine cabinet, a stand-alone separate toilet, and a 24-inch by 36-inch shower.
And finishing with the trailer’s extensive kitchen, which utilizes both sides of the trailer, and includes a 7 cubic foot gas/electric refrigerator, a two-burner cooktop, a microwave, a large pantry, and plenty of upper and lower cabinetry.
For more information on the Coachmen Clipper Ultra-Lite 162RBU, be sure to check out Coachmen’s website by clicking here.
10. Forest River Viking 182DBU
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $19,500
- Length: 22 Feet 3 Inches
- Dry Weight: 3,840 Pounds
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 4,433 Pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: 4
- Bathroom: 3-Piece Dry Bath
Also coming in at just under $20,000, the Forest River Viking 182DBU, formerly known as the Coachmen Viking 182DBU, and part of Forest River’s 4K Series shares many similarities with the above Coachmen Clipper Ultra-Lite.
And that’s for good reason; as the Viking, and the Clipper are actually sister RVs.
In addition, they’re also both produced by Forest River, as Forest River owns and produces all Coachmen RVs.
Despite being sister RVs though, there are quite a few differences between the Forest River Viking 182DBU and the above Coachmen Clipper Ultra-Lite 162RBU.
Which has a lot to do with the intended end user of each RV.
Forest River Viking 182DBU Floorplan
Because while the above Clipper Ultra-Lite 162RBU is intended for couples, the Viking 182DBU is intended for families of four.
To see other travel trailers designed for families of four, check out our blog post “12 Best Small Travel Trailers for a Family of 4“.
And as such, the Viking 182DBU has a lot more family-friendly features compared to the Clipper Ultra-Lite 162RBU.
Including a four-person sleeping capacity, bunk beds, more interior and floor space, and more storage capacity both on the interior as well as on the exterior.
For more information on the Forest River Viking 182DBU, and to see a 3D tour of the interior, check out Forest River’s website by clicking here.
Wrap-Up
In conclusion, while it can be challenging to find travel trailers under $20,000, as new entry-level models will often start in the mid-20s.
There are still plenty of new campers under 20K on the market today that can provide you and your family with a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience.
As we hope our list of the best travel trailers under $20,000 has shown.
Regardless of which travel trailer you end up going with though, whether it’s under or over 20K.
We hope our list of budget-friendly campers has shown you that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a great RV for you and your family.
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